TODAY: Pick Up Sticks Hockey Hosts 3rd Annual PUSH Your Limits! Girls’ & Women’s Ball Hockey Tournament

GILBERTSVILLE, PA – What began as a mission by two young girls to save their neighborhood ball hockey rink has grown into a community-wide effort to make hockey more welcoming, accessible, and fun for everyone.

On Sunday, October 4, Pick Up Sticks Hockey (PUSH) will host its 3rd Annual PUSH Your Limits! Girls’ & Women’s Ball Hockey Tournament, beginning with the first faceoff at 10 a.m. at The Rink at Community Park, 2798 Gail Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525.

The tournament celebrates the journey of Natalie Van Druff and Lilly Walter, who advocated to save the deteriorating rink at New Hanover Community Park when it was at risk of being replaced. With support from Flyers Charities, New Hanover Township, and the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, the rink was rebuilt and given a new life as a place for the community to gather, play, and grow the game.

Now, through PUSH, that original mission continues—creating opportunities for girls, women, and players of all ages and skill levels to experience the joy of hockey.

“PUSH Your Limits is about so much more than the games,” said Kate Van Druff, President and founding member of Pick Up Sticks Hockey. “It’s about creating a place where someone can try hockey for the very first time, reconnect with a sport they love, meet new friends, and feel part of a team. We want everyone to know they belong on the rink.”

The tournament brings together hockey moms and daughters, friends, experienced players, and first-timers for a day of friendly competition and community. Players are guaranteed two preliminary games and one playoff game, with championship prizes and plenty of tournament-day fun, including snacks, player goodie bags, a friendship bracelet station, music, giveaways, and the crowd-favorite Pickle Bar.

No skating is required—players wear sneakers—and equipment is available for those who need it. The tournament is designed to welcome women and girls with a wide range of hockey experience, including those who have never played before.

This year’s championship team will receive custom-designed hoodies or quarter-zips generously sponsored by 2 n 10 Custom Apparel. Local businesses and community partners have also contributed donations, raffle prizes, refreshments, and player swag to help make the event special.

The tournament is hosted by Pick Up Sticks Hockey Inc., a grassroots organization dedicated to growing the game, breaking down barriers to participation, and creating positive, supportive hockey opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and skill levels—with a special focus on expanding opportunities for girls and women.

“Seeing this rink filled with players, families, and supporters is a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together,” said Van Druff. “We’re grateful to everyone who helped save the rink and everyone who continues to help us fill it with hockey and positivity.”

Spectators are welcome to come cheer on the teams and celebrate the community’s growing love for the game.

For more information about Pick Up Sticks Hockey, upcoming programs, and its mission, visit pickupstickshockey.com. Follow PUSH on social media for tournament updates and community events.

Event Details
What: 3rd Annual PUSH Your Limits! Women’s & Girls’ Ball Hockey Tournament
When: Sunday, October 4, 2026; first faceoff at 10 a.m.
Where: The Rink at Community Park, 2798 Gail Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Spectators: Welcome
Website: https://pickupstickshockey.com/
Contact: pickupstickshockey@gmail.com

About Pick Up Sticks Hockey (PUSH)

Pick Up Sticks Hockey is a grassroots hockey organization based in the Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania area. Founded around the effort to save and improve the community’s ball hockey rink, PUSH works to grow the game by creating welcoming opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and skill levels to play, connect, and build community—with an emphasis on supporting girls’ and women’s hockey.

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