The Okotoks Novice B girls’ hockey team were treated to a meet and greet with former Team Canada captain Cassie Campbell-Pascal.

The team got the surprise for being the first team to sing up for Scotiabank Girls Hockeyfest; an event aimed at empowering young female players.

Young girls ages 7-14 can enjoy a day on the ice with some professionals.

Campbell-Pascal says she loves how much exposure girls’ hockey is now getting.

“It gives the girls a role model to look up to,” she says, “I think it’s made hockey a little more acceptable for girls to play. You know parents nowadays don’t think twice about putting their girls in hockey along with their sons.”

The Hockeyfest takes place November 4th at the Saddledome.

More than 350 young hockey players are expected to attend.