Trailblazer returns to share success, inspire next generation

Starstruck kids and fans zigzagged throughout the rink, anxiously waiting to get an autograph from Kati Tabin and to see their role model on the same side of the glass.

Tabin, Montreal Victoire defender and Team Canada silver medallist, on Saturday came home to the rink where it all began, the Oakbank Community Club. She brought the PWHL championship trophy, the Walter Cup, won in her third season with the club, as well as her 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic medal.

The arena was packed to the brim with fans from all over coming to see Tabin — the local player who made history in women’s hockey. Hundreds of enthusiasts of all ages lined up with their Victoire or Team Canada merchandise, some waiting over two hours to see their idol.

Eight-year-old Loxley Cierzan came with her mother, Ainsley, and other family members to meet the one and only Tabin. Cierzan has loved seeing other girls grace the ice and play the competitive sport she adores. When the PWHL takeover stopped in Winnipeg in March, she not only got to watch the game but also a practice beforehand where Tabin signed her Victoire hat.

“My favourite part was going down and watching them at practice,” super-fan Cierzan said, a giant smile lighting up her face. When asked what she would like to tell Tabin, she said, “Congratulations on the Walter Cup.”

For Tabin’s mother, Heather Tabin, it was surreal to see the town rally for her daughter, especially the little ones who now see what’s possible. “I’m happy for the future generations to come and girls have this to look up to. [Kati] didn’t and girls all over the world — they’ve struggled,” Heather said.

When Tabin was growing up, Heather tried to enroll her in figure skating at first — one of the first memories that showcased Tabin’s stubbornness. “They were doing a recital on Toy Story. They wanted her to be Raggedy Ann but all her buddies were Buzz Lightyear so she put up a stink and they let her be Buzz Lightyear.”

With figure skating not being her calling, she switched over to a stick and puck — something that came naturally. Even though there wasn’t a girls team at the time, she still was determined to play hockey and follow her passion.

“She wasn’t going to be defined as a Barbie,” Heather added. “She wanted to be her own person and play with the boys.”

She endured hardships, having to change in the bathroom or referee’s quarters before and after games, but was undermined to show she belonged on the ice against the opposite gender.

“She was always lining herself up with the guys and saying whatever they could do — [she] could do better.” Heather said.

Now having paved the way, other fans, such as Dani Wenger, are encouraged about the future of female led sports.

“It’s changed my brain chemistry realizing that women have a place in professional sports. Watching the Victoire win the cup was so emotional,” Wenger said. She added how much time she’s now devoted to focusing on women’s sports, such as the WNBA and Winnipeg’s soon to come Northern Super League team.

“I’m so happy for the future generations who get to see themselves in spaces like Kati’s,” Wenger added.

Tabin’s close friends and former teammates, Allison Sexton, Jordy Zacharias, and Anna Wilgren, also came out to support Tabin and see the impact she’s made in the community.

“What Kati’s been able to do, to come back and see everyone from the hometown and see girls drive out to Oakbank and be so excited — it’s been incredible,” Sexton said. Sexton’s father who helped start their spring league, passed away in their graduating year of high school, but was always one to cheer Tabin on.

“Kati often talks about having the silent dream of making the Olympics,” Zacharias said, Tabin always one to dream big. If the opportunity wasn’t available, she made one.

“She’s more of a quiet leader but that’s gotten her to where she is today,” Wilgren said.

The trio has been following Tabin throughout her professional career every step of the way but now get to experience her being a pioneer in women’s hockey.

After three hours of signing autographs and taking photos, Tabin’s smile never faltered. “What a special day it was today. Being back here reminds me of growing up and now having someone like me to look up to,” Tabin said.

Tabin always had her eyes set on the Olympics as it was the only space for women to play hockey at the time. “That’s been my dream since I was a little girl because that’s all there was for us,” Tabin said. She distinctly remembers receiving the call about the Olympics and the message they shared with her.

“You’ve worked so hard and you’ve proven yourself in the PWHL — we want to give you a shot. Welcome to your first Olympics,” Tabin recalled being told.

While looking around the arena, she remembers being an Icehawk, and seeing her teammates dream of the NHL — Brett Howden, centre for the Vegas Golden Knights, being one of them.

“I never dreamt about that because it wasn’t a reality,” Tabin said. But now, she’s not only made her own dreams come true, but also many other young female players.

“That’s what’s important to me — these little girls can now dream,” she added.

“They don’t have to be on a boys team, they can be on a girls team,” Heather said. “There are paths whereas before there wasn’t.”

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