Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 hockey team scored a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States earlier this month to win the gold medal game at the 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
Three members of the team are students from the Halton District School Board. Read about what they learned through this experience.
Kendall Cooper: Grade 11, Aldershot School
Home hockey club: Stoney Creek Junior Sabres
How does it feel to have won the gold medal?
I am still in shock, to be honest. It does not feel real, but I am so happy and proud of how we represented Canada.
What have you learned about yourself during this hockey experience?
I have learned that hockey is not always easy. There are so many ups and downs throughout the game. It is all about staying composed and I think I developed that skill quite well throughout the tournament, considering it was such a high stakes tournament.
How has your experience at your school helped you prepare for your tournament?
I think my school has taught me some great skills like responsibility and respect. Carrying those skills into hockey helps a lot. Being responsible for your role on the team is crucial and taking responsibility in key situations can be a difference maker. It’s important to respect your opponent.
What advice would you give to younger students thinking about becoming a hockey player or pursuing their own dreams?
If you love the sport and have dreams, put everything you have into it. Sometimes you are going to have to sacrifice other things to train or do extra practices. It might not seem worth it at the time, but it will pay off in the future. Set goals and work toward them, one step at a time.
What was the most difficult part of the tournament?
Remaining focused on the goal. It’s hard to forget about the lights, cameras and crowd, but if you can focus on the game, one shift at a time, it will make your chances of performing strong a lot better.
What was the best part of the tournament?
Winning the gold medal. Jumping off the bench and celebrating with my teammates was something I will never forget. We had such a great group of girls, we are all so close and we played for each other. It was incredible to be standing on that blueline, singing the national anthem with them.
What is next for your hockey career?
I will be representing the province of Ontario at the Canada Winter Games in February.
“I hope students realize that hard-working students like Kendall are cherished in our school community. Sometimes you might not know the depth of a student's overall abilities until you get to know them. Supportive friends are important also in helping to celebrate successes.” | Aldershot School Principal Maria McLellan, on Kendall Cooper’s accomplishment
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Megan Carter: Grade 12, Craig Kielburger SS
Home hockey club: Stoney Creek Junior Sabres
How does it feel to have won the gold medal?
It was a surreal feeling earning the gold medal and standing on the blueline singing our national anthem next to my teammates. It is still an unbelievable feeling, thinking that we are world champions and that we accomplished our goal of getting Canada back on top of the hockey world.
What have you learned about yourself during this hockey experience?
My Hockey Canada journey has taught me a great lesson in perseverance. I have had a goal and dream for many years to play for Team Canada at the Under-18 level. In 2017, I was selected to attend the selection camp in Calgary, but was not selected for the team. Although I was upset, I reset my goal to make the 2018/19 team. I worked on the feedback provided to me by Hockey Canada staff, I trained even harder and I stayed positive. This paid off by winning the gold medal. In my life, I will have setbacks, but I will always remember this example of persevering to achieve my goals and dreams.
How has your experience at your school helped you prepare for your tournament?
Throughout my schooling at Hawthorne Village Public School and Craig Kielburger Secondary School, I have learned many valuable lessons that I have carried with me to my hockey career. My teachers have challenged me and supported me in academics and athletics. I have been actively involved in academics and athletics while attending both schools and have done my best to achieve the highest standards in both areas at all times. This has required me to be organized and disciplined. My schools have prepared me to embrace new situations and always put forth my best effort, pay attention to the details and be a good team player.
What advice would you give to younger students thinking about becoming a hockey player or pursuing their own dreams?
To athletes who want to play hockey or pursue any dream, I would tell them to go for it. Playing hockey has changed my life. I have made many memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, and have learned so much. Having a dream to play at the national level has pushed me to work hard every day, and has made me a better player and person. When you find your passion and commit to your goals, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
What was the most difficult part of the tournament?
I think the most difficult part of the tournament came in the playoff round as we forced both the semifinal against Russia and the final game against the USA into overtime. Our team overcame this adversity and pressure, and we believed in ourselves as a team. I am proud of our group for fighting through this pressure, playing our hearts out, and coming out of it with a gold medal.
What was the best part of the tournament?
The whole tournament was an experience of a lifetime and something I will cherish forever. I loved travelling to Japan and playing amongst the best Under-18 female hockey players in the world. It’s an honour to be able to wear the Maple Leaf and represent Canada. I made friendships that will last a lifetime and learned so much from the coaches and support staff. The best part was winning the gold medal alongside 22 amazing teammates and our staff.
What is next for your hockey career?
I have been selected to play for Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games next month (February 24 to March 2) in Red Deer, Alberta. I will be attending Northeastern University in Boston in the fall on an NCAA Division 1 Ice Hockey scholarship.
“As a principal, I have seen first hand the impact that a student athlete of Megan’s caliber has had on our school community. She excels at school and leads our field hockey team while playing hockey for Stoney Creek Sabers. Her success is contagious both on and off the field and rink. Megan has inspired other students to work hard and persevere in order to make their dreams become reality.” | Craig Kielburger SS Principal Jacquie Pece, on Megan Carter’s accomplishment
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Laura Cote: Grade 12, Nelson High School
Home hockey club: Mississauga Junior Chiefs
How does it feel to have won the gold medal?
Winning the gold medal was the best moment of my life. It was an indescribable feeling to be able to help Canada get back on top and finally beat the United States after four years.
What have you learned about yourself during this hockey experience?
I have learned how to be more adaptable. From team to team, plays change, coaches change and the players change. Hockey is a game of change and this tournament helped me understand the importance of adapting.
How has your experience at your school helped you prepare for your tournament?
My school and teachers were very supportive throughout the process. They helped me manage my time around school, so that I could give all my focus to the tournament.
What advice would you give to younger students thinking about becoming a hockey player or pursuing their own dreams?
I would tell athletes to never be satisfied. Work hard, stay humble and feel the need to get better everyday. That’s what it’s going to take to fulfill your dreams.
What was the most difficult part of the tournament?
The most difficult part of the tournament was definitely losing to the United States in our first matchup. The team bounced back really well, but we were all quiet that night, thinking about what we were going to change to beat them if we had the chance to play them again.
What was the best part of the tournament?
The best part of the tournament was by far singing the national anthem along the blueline after the gold medal game. It was the most amazing feeling that cannot be recreated.
What is next for your hockey career?
Playing NCAA hockey at St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York.
“High school students often succeed outside of school, representing our community, province and country. I think it is very important to support these students in our school as they promote the rewards that come from hard work and dedication. They deserve to be recognized by their peers. When these accomplishments are recognized by our staff and students, we can all believe that anyone can excel if they are passionate, hardworking and dedicated.” | Nelson HS Principal Paul Daignault, on Laura Cote’s accomplishment
