The Montreal Victoire recently held a youth hockey training clinic at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre in the western part of Montreal. The clinic saw the participation of almost 90 girls aged between eight and 15, eager to enhance their skills under the guidance of professional players.
Several young athletes shared their hockey aspirations and excitement about being coached by their idols with CBC. For the Victoire players, being part of this camp was a reflective experience as they remembered their own beginnings in the sport and expressed their desire for more opportunities like this to nurture the game at the grassroots level.
Among the participants was 11-year-old Navarana Gadbois, who started skating at the age of four in Kuujjuaq after being inspired by her father’s love for hockey. Navarana expressed her enthusiasm for the training camp and her dream of potentially playing for the Montreal Victoire or in the PWHL league. Another aspiring young player, 10-year-old Elizabeth Tousignante, shared her passion for hockey and her ambition to join the Victoire team.
Victoire forward, Alexandra Labelle, emphasized the importance of sharing the love for hockey and serving as a role model for aspiring players. Labelle highlighted the progress made in providing exclusive hockey camps for girls and stressed the significance of inclusivity in the sport.
Head coach Kori Cheverie, who grew up in Nova Scotia without access to girls’ hockey until the age of 15, emphasized the need for continued evolution and inclusivity in hockey at all levels. Cheverie called for increased ice time availability and a more inclusive environment for all genders, acknowledging that there is still work to be done to further develop the sport.
Overall, the event showcased the dedication and enthusiasm of young female hockey players and highlighted the importance of mentorship and opportunities for growth in women’s hockey.