The Montreal Victoire recently organized a youth hockey clinic spanning four days at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre, located in the western part of Montreal. Around 90 girls aged between eight and 15 participated in the clinic, honing their skills and receiving guidance from professional players.
Several young athletes shared their hockey aspirations and discussed the significance of being coached by their hockey idols with CBC. For the Victoire players, the clinic was a nostalgic moment as they recalled their own experiences as young players and wished for similar opportunities that could have shaped their growth in the sport during their formative years. They expressed their desire for the game to continue flourishing at the grassroots level.
Among the attendees were standout individuals such as Navarana Gadbois, an 11-year-old participant who began her skating journey at the age of four in Kuujjuaq, inspired by her father’s involvement in hockey. Navarana expressed her enthusiasm for the training camp, highlighting the fun and learning experience it provided. She also shared her aspirations of potentially playing for the Montreal Victoire or the PWHL in the future.
Elizabeth Tousignante, a 10-year-old hockey enthusiast, also expressed her excitement at meeting the players and her dreams of playing for the Montreal Victoire. She emphasized her passion for hockey and her desire to continue playing the sport throughout her life.
Alexandra Labelle, a forward for the Victoire, emphasized the importance of sharing her passion for hockey with the younger generation. She reflected on her own journey of playing with boys until the age of 15 and highlighted the progress made in providing dedicated hockey camps for girls, showcasing the evolving landscape of the sport.
Kori Cheverie, the head coach of the Victoire, discussed the evolution of the game and emphasized the need for inclusivity across genders in hockey. Growing up in Nova Scotia without girls hockey until the age of 15, Kori highlighted the importance of continued progress and shared spaces for both men’s and women’s hockey.
In conclusion, the event underscored the commitment of the Montreal Victoire to nurture young talent and inspire the next generation of hockey players. It served as a platform for aspiring young athletes to learn, grow, and dream big in the world of women’s hockey.