FEIA Girls Hockey Program Continues to Produce University Scholarship Athletes
By Michael Clarkson
Wins and losses are not the only measure of success for the FEIA Girls Hockey Program. While the team competes at a high level, one of its greatest accomplishments has been helping student-athletes earn opportunities at the next level. Since 2022, every graduating player in the program has earned a university scholarship.
On the ice, the Lady Falcons have achieved strong results, including a second-place finish in the National Girls Hockey League (United States) in 2024. The program also celebrates the success of its graduates, including Winnipeg native Kai Hyatt, the Falcons’ first captain, who now plays forward for the Post University Eagles of the NCAA in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Although the competitive season has concluded, the Falcons continue to train through May. Many players also compete internationally and with club teams around the world. Sinia Gubser is currently playing professionally for EV Zug Frauen in Switzerland.
Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Malea Viola represents the Philippines internationally and will play next season at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Other players from the program have represented national teams including Germany, Spain, France, and Denmark.
“The results and experience that come with being an FEIA student are special,” said defender Beer van Oosterhout, who represented the Netherlands at the recent Under-18 World Cup and will return to Fort Erie next season for Grade 12.
“The guidance I receive in sports and also in academics truly helps. It sets me up for the best possible future. Having the opportunity to represent FEIA on and off the ice is an incredible honour. There’s a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into it.”
The Falcons, led by head coach Carley Blomberg, also compete in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association and played 56 games this season, including games in the United States.
Girls’ hockey continues to grow across Canada, with a record 115,000 players registered last year and more than 6,300 coaches. However, Blomberg notes that women’s sports still receive less funding from governments and minor hockey associations than men’s programs.
“I don’t think a lot of people understand the history of women’s hockey; it’s still a relatively new sport,” Blomberg said.
A native of Timmins, Ontario, Blomberg credits her playing career as an all-star at Brock University with helping shape her coaching approach.
“You learn how to communicate and understand what your athletes are going through because you went through it yourself. You understand the game.”
The Lady Falcons will graduate six players this year and will recruit new athletes to join the program. Much of the recruiting takes place internationally, with FEIA staff scouting televised games, reviewing player video, and attending development camps in the United States.
The program is not permitted to recruit players directly from Ontario, as doing so would conflict with provincial minor hockey association rules.
Blomberg says the program looks for student-athletes who demonstrate strong character and academic commitment, in addition to athletic ability.
“Physically, we look for players who can skate well. Other skills like shooting and passing can be developed,” she said.
Blomberg is supported by assistant coaches Pete Montana and Mike Macdonald.
