THE BOLT REPORT - SEPTEMBER EDITION - Welcome Back!

THE BOLT REPORT — SEPTEMBER EDITION

And so it begins.

As the girls head back to the rink, we’re reminded that hockey is about so much more than what happens on the ice.

It’s about belonging; finding your people, knowing you have a place, and feeling like you’re part of something that matters.

It’s about teamwork — learning to trust one another, lift each other up, celebrate each other’s successes and work through the tough moments together.

And it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.

Every player brings something unique to her team. Every coach, trainer, volunteer and family adds another piece to our Lightning community.

Together, those pieces become something much bigger than any one player, game or season.

This year, we hope our girls learn that being a great teammate isn't just about passing the puck. 

It's about showing up. Including others. Encouraging someone who is struggling. Celebrating someone else's success. Being willing to try. Being brave enough to make mistakes. And understanding that we are stronger when we play for one another.

Because years from now, they may not remember every score or every game. But we hope they remember the feeling of belonging. The teammates who became friends. The coaches who believed in them. The families who cheered them on. And the incredible feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves.

Welcome back, Lightning! Here’s to a season of connection, courage, teamwork and growth!

LIGHTNING FAST UPDATES

• Get ready to hit the ice! September evaluations and preseason schedules are up!
• House League pre-skates and evaluations for U9-U18 begin Thursday Sept 10th.
• U9B Tryouts begin Friday September 11th.
• Our 2026-27 HL coaching staff has ONE remaining coach opportunity.
• Volunteer tasks and staff requirements are a priority as we prepare to finalize rosters.
• Powering the Program.
• Reminder for all HL Gal-Tenders, we offer a $300 Goalie Rebate!
• Lightning-Bauer First Shift is returning this fall, with registration open.
• The Lightning Player Development Program is taking shape, details TBA.
• Community Currents- 1st Annual Lightning Golf Tourney- A success!
• Power to Play- Financial assistance information is available.
• Our 10th season celebrations continue, lots of SAVE THE DATE events!

GET READY TO HIT THE ICE!

The wait is almost over! Check your gear, sharpen your skates and get ready!

After a busy summer of planning, programming and preparation, our Lightning players are getting ready to return to the rink. September is all about getting settled, getting organized and getting ready for another great season of girls hockey.

For our House League players, evaluations are an important part of creating balanced teams and a positive experience for everyone. For our competitive teams, the season is already underway. And for our youngest Lightning players, the excitement of stepping onto the ice for the first time is just beginning.

Whether you're a returning Lightning family or joining us for the very first time, we're so excited to have you with us.

Let's make this a season to remember! Always check in with our WEBSITE for UPDATES!

HOUSE LEAGUE EVALUATIONS

It's evaluation time! U9-U18 House League evaluations are taking place throughout September as we prepare to build balanced teams for the 2026-2027 season.

Our goal is simple: to create teams that are as evenly matched as possible while giving every player the opportunity to develop, contribute and enjoy her season. Please plan to attend so your player can be assessed, giving us the best chance at dividing the teams fairly. 

A huge thank you to our coaches and volunteers who are giving their time to help make this process happen.

Please keep an eye on the COLGHA WEBSITE for evaluation dates and important updates. SCHEDULES CAN CHANGE, so please check back regularly!

CPA-Central Park Arena, EB-Eddie Bush

WELCOME, LIGHTNING COACHES!

We are incredibly excited to welcome our 2026-2027 House League coaching staff!

Our coaches play such an important role in the Lightning experience. They aren't simply teaching hockey skills. They're helping girls build confidence, learn how to work together, navigate challenges, celebrate one another and discover what they're capable of.

To everyone who stepped forward to coach this season: THANK YOU! Your time, energy and willingness to mentor the next generation of female hockey players makes a difference.

U7 Little Lightning- Rachel Cubbit

U9 White- Vacant

U9 Blue- Matt Lebel

U11 Purple- Shawn Dorman

U11 White- Jay Anstey & Jeremy Shaw

U13 White- Sam Moneypenny

U13 Blue- Luke Sparling

U13 Silver (pending final board decision Sept 8)- Mike MacDonald-Hannon

U15 White- Steve Millson

U15 BlueL- Ryan Painter

U18 White- Jon Tamlin

U18 Blue- Brad Rawn

We are still looking for a Head Coach or Co-Coaches for U9 White. If you are interested in becoming part of the Lightning coaching family, please reach out to us at collingwoodgirlshockey@outlook.com

VOLUNTEER TASKS — WE NEED YOU!

Lightning Hockey doesn't happen without volunteers.

As we move into the season, all Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Managers, Trainers, Den Moms, On-Ice Staff, Bench Helpers and COLGHA Executive are reminded to complete their VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS.

Returning volunteers are also asked to check their Spordle accounts and confirm that their VSC and Declaration requirements are current. Completing these requirements is an important part of getting our teams fully rostered and ready for the season.

Thank you to everyone who has already completed their tasks and to all of our volunteers who continue to give their time to make Lightning hockey possible.

POWERING THE PROGRAM

Competitive Teams and Coaching Staff, we see YOU! We know you’ve spent the summer in preparation for a new hockey season, whether it’s getting your staff organized, running fundraising events, slugging bottle drives, participating in dryland or creating team bonding opportunities, we know you’ve already invested A LOT of time into your team(s). 

All the best during the season start up and remember to HAVE FUN!!

CALLING ALL HOUSE LEAGUE LIGHTNING GAL-TENDERS!

Have you ever wanted to try goaltending? Maybe you've played goal before. Maybe you've never put on the gear. Maybe you're just curious about what it's like to stand between the pipes.

We want you to give it a try! COLGHA is offering a $300 House League Goalie Registration Rebate to encourage more girls to try the position. We also provide opportunities for goalie development and ongoing support throughout the season.

If your daughter is curious about becoming a goalie, we'd love to help her get started. Reach out to our Director of Goalie Development at lightninggoaltending@gmail.com

LIGHTNING-BAUER FIRST SHIFT IS BACK!

Know a girl who has always wanted to try hockey? 

The Bauer First Shift Program is returning this fall and is one of the best ways to introduce girls aged 6-10 years to our sport. Participants receive head-to-toe equipment and six on-ice sessions designed to build confidence, have fun and learn the fundamentals of hockey in a welcoming environment. 

Our Lightning First Shift Fitting Night is coming up on Thursday, October 22, with the girls hitting the ice on Friday, October 30 at 6:30 PM CPA.

For more information, visit the COLGHA WEBSITE.

LIGHTNING PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Our Lightning Player Development Program is designed to provide additional opportunities for players across the Association to learn, develop and build confidence throughout the season.

From our Bolt Breakfast Club morning skills sessions to dedicated goalie development, shooting and off-ice development, U7 Little Lightning & Winter Fundamentals, team development support and coach development opportunities, we're continuing to build programming that supports players at every level. The goal isn't simply more hockey. It's an opportunity to learn, grow and enjoy the game.

More information and registration opportunities will be shared as programs are finalized.

COMMUNITY CURRENTS

It was a beautiful day! A sincere THANK YOU to all the folks and businesses that SPONSORED our 1st Annual Collingwood Lightning Golf Tournament. 

Thank you golfers for supporting our Lightning players! Congrats to our tourney winners- Chad Modrits, Dane Metheral, Bob Lowe & Gord Zeggil.

A very huge shout out to Jackie Pampalone for running a stellar event and to our dedicated Lightning Volunteers- Paul, Lisa, Anna, Jess and our young Lightning Ladies, THANK YOU! 

POWER TO PLAY

We believe every girl deserves the opportunity to play. Families who may need financial assistance are encouraged to explore our Lightning Power to Play Assistance Fund, along with other available community funding resources.

If cost is a barrier, please reach out confidentially. We're committed to working with families whenever possible because hockey should be accessible to everyone.

Further Resources and Financial Assistance

Hockey Canada Assist Fund

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

Kidsport Ontario

Their Opportunity

GrindStone Award Foundation

Town of Collingwood- Affordable Recreation 

OUR 10TH SEASON- SAVE THE DATE

Ten years! From 30 girls and a few hours of ice each week to more than 450 players, dozens of teams, hundreds of volunteers and a growing girls hockey community across South Georgian Bay. What started with a simple belief — that girls deserved more opportunities to play — has grown into something much bigger. Thank you for being part of the Lightning story and for helping us build something truly special.

Since our communities support us, it’s more important than ever that we use our platform to create further impact within our region!

SAVE THE DATE!

COLGHA Lightning Goes the Distance for Terry! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 20th as Collingwood Lightning Girls come together to participate in the Terry Fox Run.

Run Day Details

Date: Sunday, September 20

Registration: 8:30am

Run Starts: 10:00am

Location: Harbourview Park (behind McDonald's), Collingwood

Join our team or share our fundraising page today:

https://run.terryfox.ca/page/collingwood-lightning-girls-hockey

Collingwood Lightning presents Toronto Ice Owls Blind Hockey Showdown! Join us for exciting hockey action, fun and community spirit. More details TBA!

Game Day Details

Date: Saturday, October 17th 

Game Time: 3-5pm

Location: Central Park Arena

Here's to our 10th season!

“Brave Enough to Try. Strong Enough to Grow”.

COLGHA