The 2025 Miller Waste U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship was more than just a championship. It was a celebration of sport, community, and the power of inspiring the next generation. Held over four days, the event featured 11 games in Elmira, and with it, brought unforgettable memories for fans, athletes, and volunteers.
Game Time Energy
The atmosphere was electric at all games, but especially for the gold medal game featuring the host Waterloo Warriors. The Bishop's Gaiters would end up claiming gold in their first ever nationals appearance. While the Warriors capped off a remarkable performance of their own, taking home a proud silver medal after a hard-fought battle in the gold medal game.
The local community showed up in force, with over 9,000 fans packing the arena to support over the four days. Many memories were made for local Elmira students when they attended the afternoon School Day games on Thursday and Friday.
Moments Beyond the Rink
The championship wasn't just about what happened on the ice. Off the rink, the Awards Banquet at Federation Hall on the University of Waterloo's campus brought teams and sponsors together to celebrate the outstanding performances of the season. It was a night filled with pride, laughter, and recognition of the dedication and talent that fuels university sport in Canada.
Warrior alumni also reconnected during special events hosted throughout the week, including a public skate at CIF and a social gathering in the charming village of St. Jacobs. These moments helped deepen the roots of the program and reminded everyone of the strength and spirit of the Warriors community. "The nationals weekend was such a great experience for the community of women's hockey! It was an honour to be part of bringing such a successful championship to our area." mentions Sarah Demaiter, Warriors Women's Hockey Alum and Steering Committee Member. "The growth and commitment to women's hockey and the chance to see our women's team battle right to the end is a weekend we won't soon forget!"
Community Comes Together
The event was a true community effort, powered by over 200 dedicated volunteers and supported by more than 50 local sponsors. Local pride was on full display, with 19 youth flag bearers from the Ayr Rockets, Waterloo Ravens, and Woolwich Wild leading the teams onto the ice. The national anthem was performed thanks to the talents of seven local performers, adding personal touches to every game.
See Them, Be Them
Perhaps the most powerful impact of the championship was the inspiration it sparked in local youth. The "See Them, Be Them" spirit was felt throughout the week as young fans—many donning jerseys, face paint and homemade signs—looked up in awe at the student-athletes they came to cheer for. From high-fives in the hallways to skating out with the flags, the connections formed between these student-athletes and their young fans was quite special.
When Callie Reagan was asked what here favourite memories were from the championship, she shared, "I loved when my Ravens team went to the game together and I was on the ice as a flag bearer. The press conference was so cool." Here number one memory was "when the team won the semifinal game and lifted me up when they were putting their name on the bracket in the lobby to show they were going to the finals."
The 2025 Miller Waste U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship left a legacy that goes beyond medals and scores. It showed the power of sport to bring people together, to elevate role models, and to plant the seeds of ambition in the hearts of young fans. For the community, the memories made will echo long after the final buzzer. The Waterloo Warriors would like to thank everyone in the community for all their support and hope you will head to Elmira for the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship from March 19 – 22, 2026.
