Sharman wins silver at Universiade

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This article was published 17/02/2017 (3342 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Alanna Sharman is thrilled to have returned home from a prestigious overseas hockey tournament with a silver medal in her pocket.

The 5-8 Norwood resident, who plays forward for the University of Manitoba Bison’s women’s hockey team, recently returned home after representing Canada on the U Sports (formerly known as CIS) women’s hockey team at the 2017 Winter Universiade in Almaty, Kazakhstan, between Jan. 29 and Feb. 8.

 The tournament is a multi-sport event for university athletes held by the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

After beating China 9-1, Great Britain 14-0 and Kazakhstan 11-0 on their way to the semifinal, the Canadians then registered a resounding 8-1 win against close rivals the U.S. before falling at the final hurdle, 4-1 defeat to Russia.

Despite the loss, Sharman — who turned 21 during the tournament — said she will treasure the experience.  

Defender Erica Rieder, of Regina, was the only other Bison on the Canadian roster at the tournament.

“It was pretty great and a really cool experience,” said Sharman, a former Nelson McIntyre student who is in her third year with the Bisons and has been a rotating alternate captain this year.

“It was an honour to wear the Canadian jersey.”

Sharman scored eight points (one goal, seven assists) in five games, and registered three multi-point games. She took 15 shots and finished the tourney with plus/minus rating of +7.

“Russia was a very well-structured team and a very physical team with a very good goalie and defence,” Sharman said.

“We definitely went there to win gold but coming home with silver feels incredible, and I wouldn’t change the experience for anything. I’m really proud of how we did.”

Sharman said training together as a team for two weeks in August definitely helped the players gel and helped forge a team spirit that took them to second place.

“Everyone in the dressing room got along, which was really nice. I think our goals total pays tribute to well we bonded in the dressing room.”

As well as thumping the U.S. in the semifinal, Sharman said the thrill of playing in front of large crowds will remain one of her favourite memories. When Canada played against Kazakhstan in front of a sellout crowd of 5,000, Sharman found the noise and the energy awe-inspiring.

“It was crazy. The crowd was cheering so loudly, we couldn’t hear each other. At times, the atmosphere gave me chills. I definitely didn’t know much about Kazakhstan before we went but the people there made us feel like big stars. We were made to feel so welcome.”

 
Visit www.almaty2017.com to learn more about the tournament.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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