The second annual “Pack the Barn” event last Saturday in Warman showcased the growing popularity and skill level of female hockey in the region.
Speakers offered young players inspiration and advice; while crowds enjoyed the on-ice action of three exciting U13AA, U15AA, and U18AA games.
Emily Holmes, a second year player on the U of S Huskies, was the special guest speaker. She stressed three things in her presentation to a large group of aspiring female hockey players in the theatre.
The first thing is to accept your role on the team. “Focus on the skills you excel in and be consistent,” said Holmes.
For Holmes this became very important when she joined the Huskies. After playing prominent roles on U15 and U18 teams, she had to adjust to a situation where all 26 players on the university roster were just as skilled. On game day only 20 players can be in the lineup. So that leaves six players in the stands.
As a rookie, Holmes was in and out of the line-up. This led to making use of the second tip: be the hardest worker on and off the ice.
Holmes found success by exhibiting a strong work ethic and high compete level , pushing the pace and effort both in practice and games.
After twelve games this year with the Huskies, Holmes is among the league leaders in +/- in goals, earned by defensive work to prevent the opponent from scoring.
The final thing Holmes emphasized was to strive for balance.
Working hard to be a better hockey player is necessary, but it’s also important to make time for education, family, friends and hobbies to create a healthy balance.
Being a student athlete means a hectic schedule between training, practicing, and playing while keeping up with your studies.
Holmes encouraged the girls in the audience to start working hard on their school work and study habits to make the transition easier.
Holmes continues to enjoy playing ball in the summer. While the compete level is there, she has zero expectations.
“Find balance to avoid burnout,” said Holmes.
When asked about the greatest memory from her hockey career, her answer really hit home about the importance of youth sports.
Winning a bronze medal at CIS Nationals last year was one career highlight; but for her, the most treasured memories involve making friends and the fun with teammates in hotels and waterslides on road trips as she was growing up.
“Hockey has taught me to speak out, to get out there to help the community, to be the best person I can be for the young girls coming up,” said Holmes.
Madison Evans, last year’s captain on the U18AA Warman Wildcats team that advanced to the provincial finals of the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League, has transitioned into coaching in her role as assistant coach on the Warman U15AA Wildcats.
It is a role she really enjoys.
“It is awesome. Girls are determined and are very dedicated to improving,” said Evans.
“I have been here from the beginning when there was no girls’ team in Warman, and remember working with dad on the first team. It is great to see how much it has grown.”
Martensville’s Joel Wagner, one of the coaches for the U13AA Wildcats, is a very experienced coach who has worked at all levels of minor hockey.
He is impressed with how the game has grown and talked about how special the day was for his team.
“The crowd support from the young girls was amazing,” said Wagner. “The sheer numbers in the stands with the banners and signs made for a great atmoshere.” “Girls have a passion for the game and it is growing,” said Wagner. “It is accepted that they can be that skilled.”
That skill was evident during the day long event.