Collingwood’s own Emma May Beckett and creative partner Rylee Cawthorn hosted a premiere of their documentary It’s Been A Long Time Coming at the Simcoe Street Theatre in support of the Collingwood Lightning girls’ hockey teams.

The documentary shines a light on the history and significance of the PWHL with a focus on the Toronto Leaside Wildcats. Beckett and Cawthorn are both devoted hockey players who have experienced the growth of girls and women’s hockey firsthand as young players. With the recent uptick in both visibility of and support for the PWHL nationwide, the documentary aims to both celebrate the remarkable evolution of the sport as well as inspire more going girls to take up the sport.

The premiere featured a matinee and evening screening, and both were well attended by members of the Collingwood Lightning, family and friends, and the general public. Proceeds were donated to the Collingwood Lighting, specifically to support a young local athlete in need.