From Saving the Rink to Growing the Game: 2nd Annual Women’s & Girls’ Ball Hockey Tournament

GILBERTSVILLE, PA – It wasn’t long ago that Gilbertsville middle schoolers Natalie Van Druff and Lilly Walter were laser-focused on saving their crumbling dek hockey rink and rebuilding it with the help of Flyers Charities, New Hanover Township, and the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation. 

After wrapping up the first year of fun at the rink, the girls are determined to keep the momentum going, growing the game any way they can. For this fall, Natalie, Lilly, and their organization, Pick Up Sticks Hockey, are excited to announce the return of their All Women’s and Girls’ Ball Hockey Tournament - PUSH Your Limits! - which takes place beginning at 10 a.m. at The Rink at Community Park (2798 Gail Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525) on October 11, 2025.

“Our first tournament was a magical day of seeing 43 women and girls of all skill levels play together on the rink,” says Natalie Van Druff, 13. “I am so excited to see how the tournament will evolve this year. Don’t be intimidated if you’re new to hockey, because it’s all about trying something new.”

Last year’s tournament brought together hockey moms and hockey daughters, hockey wives and hockey girlfriends, hockey newbies and rink regulars, even elite players and a Team USA Ball Hockey Gold Medalist. PUSH Your Limits is a ball hockey tournament designed to give women and girls age 7+ a playfully competitive way to try hockey in a fun and supportive setting.

“As a mom, I watched my son’s confidence soar when he started playing ball hockey early this year,” said Ellie Trovato, mom of hockey players Joey and Gia. “The energy was contagious, and I knew I wanted to get involved, but wasn’t sure how. I met Kate through a mutual hockey mom, and she introduced me to PUSH. I was immediately hooked and started playing. My daughter, too. This tournament is a great place to learn more about ball hockey, make new friends and give back to our kids and the community. All are welcome. Join us!"

The Women’s and Girls’ Ball Hockey Tournament rain date is Sunday, October 12, 2025, also beginning at 10 a.m. Registration is required. The ball hockey tournament registration is $30 per player and $25 per New Hanover resident player, with a discount given the rink’s location in New Hanover Township. Proceeds benefit efforts to directly grow the game for this community.

Girls and women of all abilities are encouraged to sign up for the tournament, even if they are brand new to the game. No skating is required, just wear sneakers.

“Last year, we had lots of hockey moms, like me, who started playing because of their kids,” says Kate Van Druff, Natalie’s mom, who started playing ball hockey in 2023 after organizing pick up games for her daughter’s teams. “Our tournament is perfect for former field hockey players, ice hockey players, and any girls or women who just love hockey. Pick Up Sticks Hockey creates entry-level, no-pressure opportunities for ANYONE to try hockey in the most positive, supportive, and welcoming environment.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event, with needs for snacks, player giveaways and raffles. Funds raised through the tournament benefit efforts to grow the game of hockey for the community, with a focus on breaking down the barriers to playing the game.

Through their nonprofit organization Pick Up Sticks Hockey, the girls are on a mission to grow the game of hockey. Lilly and Natalie want everyone to get a chance to experience the same joy they feel whenever they play their favorite sport.

Everyone is welcome to come watch the tournament, check the PUSH schedule for upcoming hockey events, and join the local community Pick Up Sticks Hockey groups or ladies’ pick up group for friendly open hockey for all ages.

About Pick Up Sticks Hockey:
Pick Up Sticks Hockey is a grassroots hockey organization focused on growing the game. The group offers positive, supportive pick up hockey games and meetups, as well as instructional clinics, with a mission of breaking down barriers to get more sticks in hands! Pick Up Sticks Hockey is operating under the wing of a 501c3 organization, the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.pickupstickshockey.com.

Additional Information

Women’s and Girls’ Ball Hockey Tournament Event link on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1GUwurqp3B/

Pick Up Sticks Hockey Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/pickupstickshockey

Pick Up Sticks Hockey Coed Kids & Adults Pick Up Hockey

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pickupstickshockey

Women’s Pick Up Hockey Montco Berks

www.facebook.com/groups/pickuphockeymontcoberks/

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