Ottawa 67's host inaugural EmpowHer Hockey Fest
It is not every day you get to meet an Olympic gold medalist or hold the hardware.
"The gold medal that Jill had it was heavy," Katrina Poire said.
A special moment for these young hockey players, who met Canadian hockey player Jill Saulnier.
"It’s an Olympian, it’s like the only chance to meet one," said 9-year-old Leah Blais.
"The best part of winning a gold medial is sharing it with people watching you achieve that," said Saulnier, who joined the EmpowHER Hockey Fest hosted by the Ottawa 67's.
"I almost get emotional seeing a bunch of them skating around, smiling, and enjoying the game. It’s cool. It’s something I never experienced and an honour to inspire the younger generation.”
The EmpowHER Hockey Fest hosted by the 67's is the first of its kind in the Ontario Hockey League.
More than 90 minor hockey players took part in the day, rotating between on-ice, team building and classroom sessions. Local female hockey players and members of the Ottawa 67's led the event.
Girls ages 7 to 13 filled the Arena at TD Place, ready to showcase their skills and further develop their game.
"What do you tell yourself every game?" Aly Antsey asked her daughter Syrah.
"I am brave," said the seven-year-old, who was one of the smallest players out there. But that didn’t intimidate the goalie.
"I think she really wanted to be out here, making big saves. Just seeing that it’s really exciting and you love to see that stuff," said 67's goalie Collin Mackenzie.
"We were reading statistics about drop out rates in sports and girls and it’s high, so I think we have to take the time to encourage them and show them they’re appreciated,” Antsey said.
Those who continue playing the game hope to inspire and grow the next generation of hockey players.
"Visibility is huge," said Jessie Eldridge, who plays in the PWHPA. "In the women’s game, the talent is there, the passion is there, so I think running things like this is all we can do."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.