Twin Ports Women’s Invitational Hockey Tournament Begins

24 teams come together for meaningful 30-year tradition that may come to an end.

The Twin Ports Women’s Invitational begins this weekend. The games started over 30 years ago and attracts women hockey players all around the state from ages 18 to 80.

Like so many players at the invitational, Angie Hugdahl began playing hockey as a little girl. In college she says hockey changed her life. It was the sense of belonging that helped her through difficult times.

“The comradery and a place for all women who have the same goal in mind playing a game they love. They may not have necessarily been able to play hockey as an organized sport when they were younger,” said Hugdahl.

She has done it all with the tournament: played, managed and volunteered her time in various ways. She says she keeps coming back because of the people she meets across the state and Canada. But in recent years, especially after COVID, she says it has been more difficult to find volunteers.

“The amount of time it takes to organize a tournament like this is a tremendous amount of time, energy, commitment. Sometimes not everybody is willing to put that time in. A few people are, but it takes a lot of people to put on this tournament,” said Hugdahl.

Current tournament manager Kathy Amborn took the reins from Hugdahl and has been organizing it for the last several years. Unlike those who began playing as children, she didn’t start playing hockey until she was in her 40s. She says challenges with rink availability and volunteers have likely made this the last Twin Ports Women’s Tournament.

“When I announced this will be the last year for the tournament, I had many people saying that they look forward to it all year round and they are very disappointed. They love Duluth.”

Amborn says there have been positive changes through years.

“Families and children are supporting their mothers to play hockey. You see them at the games, and they’ll be out in the lobby watching the moms and wives play. Women are getting the support that men have always gotten to be able to play,” she said.

But Hugdahl believes the best aspects of a great tournament remain.

“I don’t think the love of the game has changed at all. The women who play still have a great love of the game,” she said.

Both women are inspired by Bonnie Shea. Shea has played hockey for over 50 years and has played in past tournaments. They say a lot of women have gone unrecognized.

Hugdahl added, “It wasn’t really seen as a women’s sport way back when. I think that there are a lot of women out there who missed their calling, not being able to play. Now that they have the ability to play organized hockey, they’re able to get out there.”

Stewart’s Bikes, Sports and Trophies is a longtime supporter of the tournament. Owner and General Manager Steve Meyer says he gets a number of sponsorship requests, but always says “yes” to this event.

“We see a lot more girls and women playing hockey leagues for the women which is great. The girl’s associations have grown quite a bit. And each year they are growing more and more and as they get introduced to the sport, girls love it just like the boys,” Meyer said.

Amborn encourages people to find out what they are missing.

“Come out and watch because it is some of the best hockey that you’re going to see besides the professional and college. I was told by one of the staff here that the audience for the championship games was the largest audience for a women’s game in this arena they have seen,” said Amborn.

Although the tournament’s future is uncertain, nothing can take away the precious memories or unique experiences these women have shared.

The event is free, and play begins Friday at 6pm and ends on Sunday afternoon. You can watch the tournament at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center and at the Superior Amateur Hockey Association arena in Superior.