Young hockey players are getting a rare opportunity on the ice in DDO in Montreal’s West Island.
The Montréal Victoire hosted a clinic for U12 and U16 players, giving them a chance to work on their game, meet the pros, and get a photo with the Walter Cup.
“I was really shocked because, you know, as a girl playing hockey, knowing that you’re playing with, your idols and since it’s such a new league, it’s so inspirational to see how far these girls have worked so it’s like having the opportunity to play with them was insane it was it was crazy it was so much fun,” said Madeleine Hart, a participant at the Montréal Victoire hockey camp.
After a morning of drills on and off the ice, they lined up for photos with their favourite players, including Émilie Lavoie, who joined the Walter Cup Champion last June.
“We give back to the community because they’re there every day. We have the best fan and like I was one of those fans in the last playoff run. So obviously, just to be here and experience it with like all the girls that are here, it’s pretty fun,” said Lavoie.
Dozens lined up for a chance to meet the players and get an up-close look at the Walter Cup.
“There’s a very big line so I’ll wait till it goes down a little,” said Rose Lach, a participant at the Montréal Victoire hockey camp.
Tuuli Marie Kaegi, another participant at the Montréal Victoire hockey camp, said, “I really liked it, and meeting and seeing the Walter Cup was really fun too, like it’s really exciting.”
Alexandra Labelle said, “I think it’s winning is like one thing, but just like sharing with the community and just like just the kids can see the cup also and can dream about it. That’s really important, I think.”
But the clinic isn’t just about photos and autographs. Players also had the chance to work on specific parts of their game, with tips from Victoire coaches and players.
“The best advice I ever see this morning probably, you know, I don’t need to like rush through drills, you know, I can take my time; it’s better to do it successfully than do it wrong but go fast,” said Hart.
Marie Kaegi added, “My one biggest flaw is turning and so my coaches did a lot of helped a lot for to help me get those turns.”
Lavoie said, “It’s a big effect. You see how much they work for women’s hockey. I had Marie-Philippe Poulin; I was able to meet her when I was a kid. Stars in my eyes all the time; I was able to see her on the ice. She was making examples. I was looking at her like that was the world to me. So obviously it’s great to be here and for them to be looking up to me. So yeah, it’s a great honor to be here.”
Campers also collected signatures from the new friends they made at the camp.
“It’s just actually it’s been actually really fun to meet all the girls around you and you’re making new friends,” said Rach.
Labelle added, “Now women can dream to play professional hockey, so let’s just push that.”
