The Manitoba Female Hockey League (MFHL) is an under-18 ice hockey league in the province of Manitoba, Canada. It is designated as an 'AAA' league – the highest level of minor hockey in Canada – and operates under the supervision of Hockey Manitoba.
 | |
| Sport | Ice hockey |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 |
| First season | 2008-09 |
| No. of teams | 9 |
| Most recent champion(s) | Winnipeg Ice (2023-24) |
| Most titles | Pembina Valley Hawks (7) |
| Related competitions | Esso Cup |
History
The league was founded in 2008 to provide elite female hockey players in Manitoba with the opportunity to play at a more competitive level. A number of players who have played in the league have joined NCAA or CIS hockey programs. The league was built using the same model used by Hockey Manitoba for the Manitoba Midget 'AAA' Hockey League, which has been operating quite successfully since the 1980s. Manitoba was the last western province to have a female under-18 'AAA' league.[1]
Teams
The league began its inaugural season with five teams, and now has nine. All teams are regionally based and are operated by Hockey Manitoba's regional minor hockey associations. Each team is composed of players from local minor hockey associations within its region.
| Team | Region | League Titles | National Titles |
| Brandon Wheat Kings | Brandon | 0 | 0 |
| Central Plains Capitals | Central Plains | 1 | 0 |
| Eastman Selects | Eastman | 1 | 0 |
| Interlake Lightning | Interlake | 0 | 0 |
| Pembina Valley Hawks | Pembina Valley | 7 | 1 |
| Westman Wildcats | Westman South | 2 | 1 |
| Winnipeg Avros | Winnipeg | 0 | 0 |
| Winnipeg Ice | Winnipeg | 2 | 0 |
| Yellowhead Chiefs | Yellowhead | 1 | 0 |
Former Teams
- Parkland Panthers
- Norman Wild
Home Arenas
| Team | Arena | City/Town |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon Wheat Kings | J&G Homes Arena | Brandon |
| Central Plains Capitals | BDO Centre for the Community | Portage la Prairie |
| Eastman Selects | Niverville Community Resource and Recreation Centre | Niverville |
| Interlake Lightning | Veterans Memorial Complex | Stonewall |
| Pembina Valley Hawks | Access Event Centre | Morden |
| Westman Wildcats | Hartney Community Rink | Hartney |
| Winnipeg Avros | Seven Oaks Arena | Winnipeg |
| Winnipeg Ice | Hockey For All Centre | Winnipeg |
| Yellowhead Chiefs | Shoal Lake Communiplex | Shoal Lake |
Championship
Since the 2011–12 season, the league championship has doubled as the provincial female under-18 AAA championship. Each year, the Manitoba champion competes in an inter-provincial playoff series against the champion from Saskatchewan. The winner of that series earns a berth in the Esso Cup, the national female under-18 championship.[1]
The Pembina Valley Hawks were national champions in 2012, while the Westman Wildcats won the inaugural Esso Cup in 2009, prior to joining the league. Pembina Valley hosted the 2017 Esso Cup in Morden.
League Champions
- 2023-24 Winnipeg Ice
- 2022-23 Winnipeg Ice
- 2021-22 Westman Wildcats
- 2020-21 No Champion (COVID-19)
- 2019-20 Winnipeg Ice/Winnipeg Avros (tie due to COVID-19)
- 2018-19 Westman Wildcats
- 2017-18 Eastman Selects
- 2016-17 Pembina Valley Hawks (Westman Wildcats advanced to regional playoff)
- 2015-16 Yellowhead Chiefs
- 2014-15 Central Plains Capitals
- 2013-14 Pembina Valley Hawks
- 2012-13 Pembina Valley Hawks
- 2011-12 Pembina Valley Hawks National Champions
- 2010-11 Pembina Valley Hawks
- 2009-10 Pembina Valley Hawks
- 2008-09 Pembina Valley Hawks
League Awards
Most Valuable Player
- 2023-24: Stephanie Jacob (F, Winnipeg Ice)
- 2022-23: Grace Glover (G, Westman Wildcats)
- 2021-22: Norah Collins (F, Winnipeg Avros)
- 2020-21: N/A (COVID-19)
- 2019-20: Kylie Lesuk (F, Eastman Selects)
- 2018-19: Taylor Coward (F, Winnipeg Avros)
- 2017-18: Halle Oswald (G, Pembina Valley Hawks)
- 2016-17: Ashton Bell (F, Westman Wildcats)
- 2015-16: Ashton Bell (F, Westman Wildcats)
- 2014-15: Jaycee Magwood (F, Westman Wildcats)
- 2013-14: Jaycee Magwood (F, Westman Wildcats)
- 2012-13: Ashley Brykaliuk (F, Westman WIldcats)
- 2011-12: Madison Hutchinson (D, Pembina Valley Hawks)
See also
External links
References
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