This winter sport originated in Ontario, but is quickly growing, and is now played in the US, Finland, Russia and France as well as Canada,

It has 50,000 participants, who are mainly girls and women.

What is the sport?

You must be referring to "Ringette"!

Well done sailracer,

My daughter plays ringette. In fact she managed to end up in the penalty box twice this weekend.
I seem to have an 8 year old with a competitive streak!

Ringette, is in fact, a faster sport than hockey, but there aren't as many fights. Here's a link to Ringette Canada