The Montreal Victoire recently organized a youth hockey training clinic at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre in Montreal. Around 90 girls aged eight to 15 participated in the clinic to enhance their skills and gain insights from professional players.
During interviews with CBC, some young athletes shared their hockey aspirations and the significance of being coached by their hockey idols. For the Victoire players, the clinic represented a meaningful experience as they empathized with the young participants, wished for similar opportunities in their youth, and expressed hopes for the game’s growth at grassroots levels.
Meet some of the young girls and Victoire members who attended the event:
– Navarana Gadbois, an 11-year-old participant, started skating at four years old in Kuujjuaq after being inspired by her father’s hockey games. She expressed enthusiasm for the training camp, envisioning a future playing for the Montreal Victoire or in the PWHL.
– Elizabeth Tousignante, aged 10, shared her excitement about meeting the players and her dream of playing for the Montreal Victoire indefinitely.
– Alexandra Labelle, a forward for Victoire, emphasized the importance of sharing her passion for hockey and serving as a role model for aspiring players. She commended the progress in providing girls-only hockey camps, reflecting on her experience playing with boys until the age of 15.
– Kori Cheverie, the head coach of Victoire, highlighted her upbringing in Nova Scotia without girls’ hockey until the age of 15, underscoring the need for continued evolution and inclusivity in the sport.
Cheverie emphasized the importance of increasing access to ice time and ensuring inclusivity across all genders, stating that there is still progress to be made in the sport.
The event showcased the dedication and enthusiasm of young female hockey players and the commitment of professional players and coaches to support and inspire the next generation of talent.