There was something magical about the spring and summer of 2026.
What started as an experiment with one team last year, exploded into a full-blown four team league as the Fredericton Junior Freeze program found its footing, finding an impressive place to play for young women looking to extend their basketball seasons.
The league was for girls in Grade 9 through Grade 12.
The big team certainly took notice as the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association’s Fredericton Freeze watched the program grow.
‘It was tremendous to see the turnouts, the excitement, the preparation and, ultimately, a remarkable success story,’ said Freeze head coach and general manager, Bram Russell. ‘There may not have been a place for many of the players to play and now, instead of maybe walking away from the game, they’re invigorated to keep playing. That is impactful.’
There were 48 players across the four teams, representing Fredericton High School, Leo Hayes High School, Ecole Ste-Anne and Fredericton Christian Academy.
Four junior-aged individuals also volunteered as coaches to spark potential sideline pursuits down the road.
One key item of the operation was a draft system to stock the teams.
That meant players who perhaps play against each other or didn’t know other players, suddenly found themselves surrounded by new teammates and new coaching styles.
Amy Whytewood-Hughes and Kevin Daley were the architects of ensuring the Junior Freeze was a success.
‘Any time that you can encourage women and girls in sport is always essential,’ said Whytewood-Hughes. ‘Having some past and present senior Freeze players and coaches on our benches and seeing the league in action, inspires the younger generation. It is important for girls to have role models and looking at the senior Freeze team that has Eva Tumwine, Ann Bastien, Bailey Russell and Allie McCarthy and so many others, how can they not be inspired?’
The MWBA Freeze donated jerseys and practice gear for the developmental program to help off-set costs.
All through the spring and early summer season, Whytewood-Hughes and Daley kept notes.
There is certainly a plan to keep the league moving forward.
‘Kevin and I have already collected notes about things we can tweak to improve for next season,’ she said. ‘It’s been so well received. Walking into the gyms on games nights, you could feel the energy. It erases the lines of what school you go to or what side of the river you live on- opponents become friends and everyone has fun. That is what it’s all about. We look forward to next spring.’
Off the court, many hands helped elevate the program.
From a crew of coaches, along with key personnel such as Kelly Aitken and Pat Feltmate handling social media duties, Jeff Morrison and Darcy Kelly from Fusion Youth Basketball Association, Jarrett Crossman from the City of Fredericton, David Saad, Valerie MacFarlane and Don Ryan from University of New Brunswick and Jonathan McAloon and Scott Thompson from FCA, the league was able to find synergy and helping hands.
The Freeze, Miramichi HerIcanes, Port City Fog of Saint John and Halifax Thunder all operate youth teams under the MWBA umbrella. Truro Tidal Queens held a number of youth clinics this past season, meaning the MWBA is certainly getting involved in communities, building the next generation of players.
