Hockey isn’t just for burly guys who like to pick fights. It’s a woman’s game, too.

For the past four years, women in western Eagle County have been teaming up and taking to the ice as the “Downvalley Divas.” The squad is part of the Mountain Women’s Hockey League. The season kick-started with the annual Stick and Treat Tournament last weekend.

The local women didn’t fare too well in that competition — but what can one expect when they hit the ice after only one practice? It’s a long season however, that will extend until the play-offs in March. No doubt the Divas will have plenty of opportunities to shine. Regardless, they will still have a great time.

“The Divas are a great group of active, fun women who are a blast to skate with and to compete with,” said Mella Wheatley, long-time Diva. “More and more women are getting involved in hockey in this area.”

Lara Large is one of the founding members of the Divas. She began playing hockey six or seven years ago with the Vail Twin Peaks. She played a year and then took a year off when she got pregnant, then switched to the Eagle team because the practices and games were close to home.

What attracts women to hockey? That’s a question Large gets a lot. “When people first hear about it ... they think you go out there and check and get in fights and beat each other up,” she said. But the MWHL is a no-check league. “It’s a lot more about the skills and the finesse of the game. It’s not about brute force and checking.”

“It’s kind of a girls’ night out,” said member Cappie Green. “It’s a great workout, and it’s really fun.”

Large agrees, saying hockey is the best total body workout she can imagine. Combine that with team camaraderie and competitive fire and hockey’s a workout winner.

“Overall, I personally really enjoy the speed of the game and the challenge involved in learning the sport,” said Wheatley. “One of the best things about playing hockey is getting to meet a ton of new people in the valley.”

The Divas hail from all walks of life. Wheatley and Large are teachers. Most are moms and wives.

Aaron Beckman has coached the Divas for two years. The team has a website at www.downvalleydivas.com which includes information about the team and sponsorships. The Divas solicit sponsorships to help offset the costs for women who want to play — ice time and travel doesn’t come cheap. “We want to make sure that cost does not prohibit women from playing such a great sport,” said Wheatley.

The other Divas concur. “Our league is good spirited. We try to take it lightly and leave it on the ice,” said Large.

That’s not to say the Divas haven’t skated games to remember. Large fondly remembers a contest in Steamboat Springs last season when the Divas showed up short-handed but still managed to beat the Steamboat Storm for the first time. “I don’t know how we did it. They are a very good team. We were playing with nine players, and that is not enough.”

After the game one of the opposing players sauntered over to the Diva’s bench and gave a backhanded compliment. “She said, ‘What are you people, corn-fed?’”

Make that corn-fed and quick, as only a Diva can be.

To learn more about women’s hockey programs in the valley visit:

www.mwhlinfo.com