Count Edge School Mountaineers Midget Prep girl’s hockey head coach Carla MacLeod as someone who’s been there, done that, got the sweater.
The two-time Canadian Olympic women’s hockey player is also at two-time Canada Games participant, having played female hockey for Team Alberta at the 1995 and 1999 Canada Winter Games. Seven of her Edge Mountaineers players, including four from the Cochrane area, are manning Team Alberta’s under-18-year-old (U18) female squad in Prince George, B.C.
“I had that opportunity to experience the Canada Games,” MacLeod said while her players skated at an Edge School practice Feb. 5. “I know what’s coming down the pipe for them. I’m really thrilled they’re going to get that opportunity.”
The Games are a big deal for Canadian amateur athletes. In MacLeod’s case, she graduated to the elite Olympic ranks, winning gold with Team Canada’s women’s team in 2006 and 2010, as well as medalling with Canada in four World Championships.
“At the end of the day, it’s the only tournament I’ve been to that replicates the Olympics. It’s a multi-sport event,” she says. “I said to the girls the coolest part is you’re not just part of a hockey team, you’re part of a big Team Alberta. That’s a neat thing to be a part of.”
But they have to bring their “A” game.
“The target’s on their back,” she chuckled. “Alberta is defending champion. So teams will be out to get them.”
Alberta’s U18 girl’s squad, including Cochrane-area skaters Channia Alexander, Abby Niewchas, Daria O’Neill and Taylor Sawka, was 3-0 in its first three Canada Games tilts.
Cochrane freestyle skier Valerie Cote finished sixth in the big-air and slopestyle events, and Cochrane alpine skier Ashleigh Alexander 13th in the giant-slalom.
The Games continue to March 1.
