“It’s amazing because they can teach us what we need to work on to be a Steeler one day. And I would love to be a Steeler one day.
Twelve-year old Taryn Miskiw has her eyes set on being a top goalie and playing for local team PWM Steelers. The young hockey player has taken her mid-term school time off to attend the City’s girls hockey camp that runs until Thursday at the Servus Sports Centre.
Miskiw says her idol is Marc Andre Fleury. She sees herself as the last line of defense and wants to make herself larger as she cuts down the angles to keep the puck out.
“Hopefully I can work on getting a bit taller. Looking taller for other players so it’s harder for them to shoot on me because I want to make sure I save it.”
Annette Jensen is on the coaching team leading the youngsters through the camp which covers U-9, U-11 and U-13.
She says they have a lot of talent on the ice and the girls are engaged and showing a lot of enthusiasm. Jensen notes it’s important for them to continue having fun and stay with hockey.
She underscored the critical role of female elite initiatives and saluted Lloydminster’s various programs, as well as the community support which has allowed the female game to thrive.
Jensen spoke about the next level for girls in the area with the advent of the Lakeland College hockey program.
“I think it’s great that that program has started. The ACAC has needed another team. I was involved for a number of years there and it’s great to have another team for them to compete within. I think it also boosts the community, that girls can still stay at home and be able to play at that elite level and also pursue post-secondary here.”
The hockey camp also affords off-ice conversations about pre-game preparation and post game regimen, mental performance and dealing athlete pressures, nutrition and as well, connecting them to resources they will need going forward.