The Montreal Victoire recently organized a youth hockey training clinic at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre, located to the west of Montreal. Nearly 90 girls aged between eight and 15 participated in the event to enhance their skills and gain insights from experienced professionals.
During the clinic, some of the young athletes shared their hockey aspirations and described the significance of being mentored by their hockey idols. For the Victoire players, being part of the camp was a moment of reflection. They recalled their own experiences starting out in hockey and expressed their desire for more opportunities like this to be available for future generations, emphasizing the importance of grassroots development in the sport.
Among the participants was 11-year-old Navarana Gadbois, who began skating at the age of four in Kuujjuaq, inspired by her father’s involvement in hockey. Navarana expressed her excitement about the training camp, highlighting the potential pathways it opens for future opportunities in hockey.
Another young participant, Elizabeth Tousignante, aged 10, also shared her enthusiasm for the camp and her dream of playing for the Montreal Victoire in the future. She emphasized her passion for hockey and her determination to continue playing for as long as possible.
Alexandra Labelle, a forward for the Victoire team, stressed the importance of sharing her passion for the sport and serving as a role model for aspiring young players. She highlighted the progress made in providing dedicated hockey camps for girls, reflecting on her own journey of initially playing with boys before transitioning to all-girls camps.
Kori Cheverie, the head coach of the Victoire team, emphasized the evolution of the game and the need for continued growth and inclusivity in hockey. She underscored the importance of providing equal opportunities and resources for both men’s and women’s hockey, advocating for more accessible ice time and a supportive environment for all genders in the sport.
As the camp concluded, the participants and organizers expressed their optimism for the future of hockey and the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within the sport.