Sault College success spurs the growth of girls hockey
The Sault College Women’s Hockey team is less than a month removed from its second straight ACHA W2 National Championship.
This week, the squad hosted dozens of young hockey fans for a Skate with the Champions event.
“It’s nice to be able to bring the community together,” said first- year forward Materia Land.
“The community helped us get to where we were, so it’s nice to show off the trophy a little bit and give back.”
The event included mostly female students getting autographs and photos, with the collegiate athletes helping some learn how to skate and even playing games of tag with other attendees.
Tenley Deluco, 8, said she had a great time with the older girls.
”I like skating with the team because it’s super fun,” she said.
“And when I first met them, they were like, really, really nice.”
The Sault College Women’s Hockey team is less than a month removed from its second straight ACHA W2 National Championship. This week, the squad hosted dozens of young hockey fans for a Skate with the Champions event. (Photos courtesy of Sault Girls Hockey Association)
The Sault College Women’s Hockey team is less than a month removed from its second straight ACHA W2 National Championship. This week, the squad hosted dozens of young hockey fans for a Skate with the Champions event. (Photos courtesy of Sault Girls Hockey Association)It was a goal to make memories with the kids and help motivate them to follow their own hockey dreams.
“They look up to us and we just want to tell them to just keep going and follow their dreams and just work hard and you'll get to where you want to go,” and third-year forward and ACHA W2 Tournament MVP Emma Lee.
“When I was younger I always looked up to the older girls,” Land added.
“I always wanted to be them and skate with them, so I definitely know it means something to them.”
Olivia Deluco, 10, said she wants to follow the same path as the back-to-back champions.
Have become mentors
“Winning championships several times is really impressive,” she said.
“It definitely makes me want to play more. It makes me feel more comfortable and seeing how like, how they do things, it just helps me learn all the skills they do.”
Young goaltender Brooke Storey said she had met some of the players before.
“Some of them have been to my class and have worked with us on the ice,” she said. “It’s really cool.”
Cougars head coach Brianne Shunock said some of her players have become mentors to those in attendance.
“I hope they realize the impact they’re having on these girls,” Shunock said.
Sault Girls Hockey Association Spokesperson Kaylee Hunter said the Cougars went above and beyond all year long.
“They ran the skill camp for us at the Northern Ontario Women’s Hockey League playoff tournament that we hosted locally,” Hunter said.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“They showed up to our Jr. Greyhound girls’ final games with signs in hand to cheer them on. They came out on the ice for our free ‘Try All Girls Timbits Hockey’ event.”
Hunter said that because of the success and support from the Sault College Cougars – along with the inception of the Professional Women’s Hockey League -- the association expects enrolment to be up in all divisions next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.