Saint Mary's University restores Huskies women’s hockey

HALIFAX, N.S. - Saint Mary's University is continuing to support the Huskies women's hockey program and taking steps to ensure female athletes continue to reach their full intellectual, social and physical potential at the university and in the communities in which they live.

The Board of Governors and the University community have worked very hard to achieve this goal as part of its 2011-2012 budget.

"The decision to cancel the women's varsity hockey program last week, in response to budget pressures, was wrong and we deeply regret it," says Dr. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary's University. "We are taking several initiatives to earn back the respect lost so as to ensure that our students, alumni and friends continue to be enriched by the tradition and contributions of our female athletes."

"I was troubled that the decision last week created the impression that Saint Mary's was backing away from our mission of support for gender equality in academics, athletics and all aspects of university life," says Dr. Dodds. He credits the women's varsity hockey players and coach with providing leadership to develop a Canada wide focus and dialogue on the critical importance of women in sport and recreation. "They are the role models for the aspiring female athletes of today and tomorrow."

Over the past week, there have been many suggestions and offers of support to the women's hockey program, not only for 2011-12 but long term. To capture this spirit and goodwill, Athletics Director Steve Sarty says efforts are underway to create an association that generates support and funding for the women's hockey program and athletics at Saint Mary's.

Canadian Tire, a leading national retailer, is taking the lead and will be making a significant announcement tomorrow at the Alumni arena on campus.

"We want to generate positive recognition for our hockey program, says Sarty. "We have a wonderful tradition of support for women's athletics at Saint Mary's and I want to ensure we continue to reach new heights."

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Saint Mary's University