Lightning Alumna Brings Women’s Hockey Documentary Premiere to Collingwood
After years of unfair play in women’s sports, the PWHL has broken barriers and provided women with a league where they can pursue their hockey-playing dreams in a professional setting.
“It’s Been a Long Time Coming”, an upcoming 23-minute documentary directed by Toronto Metropolitan University students, Emma May Beckett and Rylee Cawthorne, shares real stories of the female hockey players, coaches and important hockey figures of one of Toronto’s most prestigious female hockey associations, the Toronto Leaside Wildcats.
Growing up in Collingwood, Emma spent many years playing for the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association as one of the only female players in the league. As Emma got older, she found being one of the only girls got lonely really fast, as she was missing out on the conversation and camaraderie in the dressing room.
In 2019, Emma switched over to the Collingwood Girls Hockey Association. Her years playing for and volunteering with the Collingwood Lightning changed the game for Emma, as the CGHA coaches, volunteers and her teammates welcomed her with open arms and provided her with a second family she didn’t know she was missing.
When tossing around ideas for their fourth-year media production practicum, Emma May Beckett and her co-director, co-producer and friend, Rylee Cawthorne, who grew up on the West Coast just outside of Vancouver, came to the realization that producing a documentary on a topic they are both equally passionate about, female hockey, was the perfect way to integrate their love for TV & film and women in sport. Through “It’s Been a Long Time Coming”, Emma and Rylee’s goal is to make a positive impact in women’s sports and to inspire female athletes of all ages.
As a way to give back to the Collingwood Lightning, Emma is bringing the premiere of “It’s Been a Long Time Coming” to Collingwood to share with her former hockey community. The two directors are donating the majority of ticket sales to an aspiring female hockey player who may not have the financial means to participle in the sport. Emma is encouraging both current Lightning players and those interested in joining to email her at emma.may.beckett@gmail.com with a statement on what hockey means to you and why you would benefit from this donation.
The premiere is being held on Saturday, March 29th at the Simcoe Street Theatre with a screening at 2pm and another at 7pm. Tickets for both screenings can be purchased on the Simcoe Street Theatre website. Emma is encouraging Lightning players to wear their jerseys to the event, as she’s hired a photographer to capture the hockey community she knows and loves.
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