The Montreal Victoire recently organized a youth hockey training clinic spanning four days at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre in the western part of Montreal. Close to 90 girls aged between eight and 15 participated in the clinic, focusing on skill development and learning from professional players.
Several young athletes shared their hockey aspirations and the significance of being coached by their idols with CBC. Reflecting on their own experiences, the Victoire players emphasized the importance of such opportunities for young girls and expressed optimism for the game’s growth at the grassroots level.
Among the participants was Navarana Gadbois, an 11-year-old who began skating at the age of four in Kuujjuaq after being inspired by her father’s hockey involvement. Navarana expressed her enjoyment of the camp, emphasizing how it can enhance skills and pave the way for future opportunities in hockey.
Another participant, 10-year-old Elizabeth Tousignante, shared her excitement about meeting the players and her dream of playing for the Montreal Victoire. She expressed a deep passion for hockey and her desire to continue playing the sport indefinitely.
Alexandra Labelle, a forward for the Victoire, stressed the importance of sharing the passion for hockey with young players and serving as a role model. She highlighted the progress made in providing dedicated hockey camps for girls, underscoring the evolution of the sport.
Head coach Kori Cheverie, who hails from Nova Scotia where girls’ hockey and professional women’s teams were scarce during her youth, emphasized the need for continued evolution and inclusivity in hockey. She advocated for increased ice time availability and a more inclusive approach to gender diversity within the sport.
Cheverie acknowledged the advancements made in the sport but emphasized the ongoing work required for further development.
