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Women's ice hockey gaining popularity in Canberra

Ice hockey may have a brutal and violent reputation, but it has not deterred an increasing number of women signing up to play the sport in Canberra.

More than 60 women and girls, including dozens of first timers, have taken part in a training camp at the ice hockey facility in Philip.

Debbie Strome from Ice Hockey Australia has been impressed by the local support for the sport.

"Right now I think we have 36 girls that are coming out to try hockey for the first time in Canberra," she said.

"Which, in this country, is phenomenal for a come-and-try day."

Sue Fyfe has been playing the sport for three years, and has noticed its increase in popularity.

"The [number of] women doubled in size last year, the juniors doubled in size last year, the sport is really growing," she said.

The two day training camp focused on skating technique and passing and shooting skills.

Ms Strome said participants were put through their paces.

"We're taking them through the basic skills, and basic concepts of the game, just so they will be able to up their game," she said.

'It's a tough sport, not a rough sport'

Players and coaches have encouraged prospective players not to be deterred by the game's violent image.

"It's a tough sport, not necessarily a rough sport. I think it gets a bad rap from glorified things on television," Ms Strome said.

Ms Fyfe pointed out that there were differences between the men's game and the women's game.

"For kids and for women, it's a non-contact sport, so you don't need to worry too much about checking or anyone physically challenging you," she said.

But Ms Fyfe warned that with the growing interest in the sport, access to ice rinks had become an issue.

"We have so many different teams now in the juniors, in the men's and the women's grades as well, we're all really struggling to get enough time on the ice," she said.

"We're trying to develop a women's representative team at the moment ... we really need another ice hockey facility."