Girls’ hockey team to play in A division

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This article was published 06/10/2015 (4013 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Westwood Warriors girls’ hockey team is looking to build on the foundation they laid last season and win the A division this year.

Coach Kelly Hiebert said while the girls worked hard last year, the stats didn’t really reflect what they’re capable of. This year, he hopes they get to see their efforts come out on the scoreboard.

“It’s tough when you look at the stats,” Hiebert said. “It doesn’t show the success that we did have.”

Hiebert is confident the girls will be able to move forward with the training they did last year, as eight of the players are returning.

“We only lost three Grade 12 girls to graduation. One year we lost eight and that was pretty tough,” Hiebert said.

The returning players already understand the team’s rhythm, which will provide a solid framework for new girls coming in.

Hiebert, who has been the coach of the girls’ hockey team for the past eight years, said he’s really enjoyed working with the group.

“It’s different than boys’ hockey. I like it because you’re working with a variety of skills and age levels,” Hiebert told The Metro. “With boys you’re getting players who’ve been playing for most of their life. On the girls team, you have girls from ringette, girls who’ve maybe played for one or two years who might still be working on their skating.

“It challenges me as a coach because you have to deliver practices and develop their skills from a range of skill levels. You need to make them work together and it’s a fine balance.”
The team has certainly developed with Hiebert at the helm, with several players receiving hockey scholarships that have taken them into university and college.

“Our goal is to win the A division this year,” Hiebert said. “I think we have the depth to do it.”
In addition to winning the championship, the coach hopes to see the girls grow as athletes.
“The big things we’re looking at is team play, competing all three periods, working on our systems — offensive and defensive. And always having a positive team environment.

“We want to build a climate of leadership, competitiveness and creating good citizens through sport.”

The team kicks off the season on Oct. 7 against Collège Jeanne-Sauvé.

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