The Richmond Ravens U15 girls’ hockey team is set to host the 2025 Provincial Championships in Richmond, British Columbia, this March. After months of dedication and hard work, these girls have the chance to battle against the best female hockey teams across the province, all fighting for the prestigious provincial title. The tournament is held at Richmond Ice Center from March 19 to 23, 2025.
With a determined lineup and coaches with years of experience, these girls are ready to play their game. The tournament will draw fans and spectators from all across the province, giving these young girls an opportunity to showcase their talents on the “big stage”. Players from all across British Columbia are finally receiving recognition and attention that was not given to female athletes once before. The Richmond Ravens Female Hockey Association feels a great amount of pride in “fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers young female athletes to excel both on and off the ice” (Richmond Ravens Female Hockey Association, n.d).Â
Tournament Set Up
The tournament structure comprises two round robin games, followed by a semi-final and a final. In a tournament set up, such as this one, all teams compete against each other; however, only the top four teams advance. The top four teams have the opportunity to play for a medal, however, only three have the privilege of going home with one. Pre-tournament seating is based on teams’ performances during the regular season, which is solely based on fairness for all teams participating.
Behind the Bench
Head coach Milan Dragicevic leads the bench. Dragicevic has been coaching for the Richmond Ravens for over 15 years. “Milan has strong ties to the Richmond minor hockey community; he is the director of development for the Richmond Ravens Female Hockey and the Director of Hockey for Richmond Minor.” (Delta Hockey Academy, 2025) Dragicevic is crucial in the organization and has led various teams to clinch playoffs and win provincial titles. Dragicevic has been around the game for most of his life, giving him knowledge that many never have the privilege of retaining. Despite coaching men’s hockey for the majority of his career, Dragicevic was given an opportunity with the Richmond Ravens in 2006 and has never looked back. Being one of the most well-known coaches within the hockey community, Dragicevic and his players are ready to play their best hockey. Dragicevic prides himself on the development of young girls reaching their full potential.
Girls’ hockey has grown significantly across the globe, providing girls the opportunity to play a game that many believed to be out of reach. A game that is largely dominated by men has shifted immensely in the last few years. The PWHL is a prime example of this.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a “tribute to the resilience, strength, and unity of women in sports, symbolizing the ongoing fight for equality and visibility in sports.” (PWHL, 2025) As the PWHL continues to expand and flourish, it paves the way for women’s hockey to be celebrated and respected worldwide. The journey of female hockey has just begun, creating excitement within the lives of female hockey players all around the world. The progression of female hockey has sparked a movement that has allowed female athletes of various sports to speak up for themselves. For all of the young girls and women who dream of a career in a field of sports, the PWHL is a beacon of hope. There is now a possibility that young girls can grow up and chase their dream, a dream that starts at a tournament like this. “Now, younger female hockey players have something to look forward to, they have something to push for.” (Stinson, 2024)
Before the tournament’s start, I spoke with the assistant captain and defencemen of the U15 Richmond Ravens, Whitney Campbell. As someone who has had the immense privilege of playing for the Ravens since she was five, Campbell feels as if her dreams of becoming a professional hockey player are closer than ever before. Now, girls all across the province have the opportunity to not only dream, but to pursue. “A new era approaches, bringing unprecedented opportunities to female athletes”, states journalist Keyara Nelson (Nelson, 2024). This upcoming tournament gives girls the chance to dream of one day skating alongside their heroes in the PWHL. It all starts here, it starts in Richmond.Â
The Richmond Ravens are set to face the Surrey Falcons to open the tournament at 7:00 pm.
Sources:
Richmond Ravens Female Hockey Association. (n.d.). Richmond Ravens Female Hockey Association. https://richmondravenshockey.ca/
Delta Hockey Academy. (n.d.). Coaches. https://deltahockeyacademy.com/coaches/
Elle Canada. (2025). Meet Jessica Campbell, the NHL’s first full-time women’s coach & L’Oreal Paris ambassador. https://www.ellecanada.com/culture/jessica-campbell-seattle-kraken-coach-loreal-paris-iwd-2025-interview
Stinson, R. (2024, January 19). Women’s sports into the spotlight: Dreams are coming true for women’s hockey players. The Queen’s Journal. https://www.queensjournal.ca/womens-sports-into-the-spotlight-dreams-are-coming-true-for-womens-hockey-players/
Nelson, K. (2024, August 15). Breaking the ice: The rise of women’s hockey. The SMU Journal. https://www.thesmujournal.ca/athletics/breaking-the-ice-the-rise-of-womens-hockey
Little dreamers watching their heroes play the game they are learning to love
Emily Dragicevic, 2025
Richmond Ravens u15 team waiting for the medal presentation to begin
Emily Dragicevic, 2025