Members of the Columbia Hot Flash fight for the puck.

Three Columbia Inferno players, Matt Ulwelling, Sean Owens, and Trevor Demmans were there as well, offering personal instruction and advice to the ladies.

Many of the women on the team grew up ice–skating and playing hockey, but many others had little or no experience with hockey until they joined the team. Team member Kimberly Pierce heard about an open call last year and jokingly told her husband she was going to skate with the Columbia Hot Flash. A few days later, Pierce’s husband said, “Here’s the invoice for your hockey equipment.” From then on, there was no turning back, she said.

The Columbia Hot Flash members range in age from 16–46 and come from many different backgrounds. They compete in towns all over the Southeast, and are going to a tournament in Nashville this April. Team member Samantha Merrifield said of her teammates, “Everyone’s very supportive, and we have a really good time.”