The Pavilion in Bend will host the third annual Girls & Women Have the Edge hockey event on Sunday, March 17.

The event is a free opportunity for girls and women ages 5 and older to try hockey and meet new people with a shared interest in ice sports, according to the news release. Hosted by Bend Park and Recreation District, the event features a special guest for 2024: Megan Bozek, a two-time Olympian and four-time world champion for the U.S. women’s hockey team.

Registration is required for the free event, scheduled from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Participants will be placed in three groups by age: 5-11, 12-18 and 18+. The event is open to those trying hockey for the first time and beginner-level players. All equipment, including skate rentals, are provided.

“This introductory hockey event aims to grow the game of hockey through on- and off-ice programs that introduce beginners to basic hockey skills in a positive and fun environment,” said Clare Gordon, facility manager at The Pavilion.

Since opening in 2015, The Pavilion has seen growth in its youth and adult hockey programs, including from women and girls, according to the release. There was an increase in girls joining the Learn to Play Hockey program this year.

The Girls & Women Have the Edge event will be led by BPRD’s Learn to Skate and hockey coaching staff alongside the Bend Rapids youth hockey club, USA Hockey, Seattle Kraken staff and Bozek.

Bozek is a University of Minnesota graduate and was part of NCAA championship teams with the Gophers women’s ice hockey team in 2012 and 2013. She won Olympic silver medals with the U.S. women’s hockey team at the 2014 Sochi Games and the 2022 Beijing Games.

For more information and to register, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.

— Bulletin staff report