Hockey - Newsflash

3 Edge Girls Receive Prestigious Invitation

Emma Pincott, Karly Heffernan, and Eden Murray have been invited to attend Canada’s National Women’s Program strength and conditioning camp, taking place May 2-6 at York University in Toronto, Ont.

The invitation list includes 57 hockey players from across Canada. Nine goaltenders, twenty defencemen and twenty-eight forwards will participate in both on- and off- ice sessions, while also being introduced to Hockey Canada’s expectations in areas such as nutrition, mental conditioning, and physical fitness.

Emma, Karly, and Eden will be eligible for Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team and Canada’s National Women’s Under-22/Development Team. Following the camp, Hockey Canada scouts will continue to evaluate all players at national team camps in August, and as they compete with their club and school teams at provincial and national events, such as the 2012 National Women’s Under-18 Championship this November in Dawson Creek, B.C.

CLICK HERE FOR CANADA’S NATIONAL WOMEN’S PROGRAM STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CAMP ROSTER

Hockey Headlines

Sowchuk commits to University of Wisconsin for 2012-13

Sunday, 19 February 2012 14:12

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Erika Sowchuk is heading south after graduation in June. She recently accepted an offer to attend the University of Wisconsin and will play hockey for the UW Badgers. Erika, originally from Fernie, BC, came to Edge School in 2010 and has been a part of the Edge Girls Prep team for two years. She recently played with the U18 Canadian Women's National Team, bringing home gold from the IIHF U18 Women's World Championship in January 2012.

Read a recent article from the Fernie Free Press.

Local hockey star to represent Canada

Published: February 06, 2012 4:00 PM | By Centine Wilbers

Fernie-born and -raised Erika Sowchuk has stepped onto the international stage of women’s competitive hockey, representing Canada at the IIHF Under 18s Women’s World Championship.

This year’s series, hosted by the Czech Republic, was held between December 31 and the January 7, with teams hailing from eight premier hockey nations. Following convincing wins against Switzerland (13 – 1), Germany (6 – 0), and Finland (7 – 0), Sowchuk scored her first international goal in the semi-final game against Sweden, the team eventually winning with a decisive 7 – 0. For the final, Team Canada scored three goals against the defending champions from the United States, earning the tournament’s gold medal.

“Standing on the blue line with my team mates, a gold medal around my neck, and singing the anthem was an amazing feeling,” said Sowchuk, reflecting on her most memorable moment of the tour. “I look at it every day.” When asked about the key difference between men and women’s hockey, Sowchuk identifies the absence of hitting in the women’s league as a game-changing feature. “Women’s hockey is more about puck possession and handling the puck longer where men tend to pass it off more quickly because of the hitting factor,” Sowchuk explained. “The tactics are different.”

Skating since the age of three, and playing hockey since four, Sowchuk is a committed athlete. “It’s my passion, I wouldn’t give it up for anything.” Currently embarking on her second year playing for the Edge Mountaineers in Calgary, Sowchuk admitted, “Everything revolves around hockey for me.” She has recently accepted an offer from the University of Wisconsin, a move Sowchuk hopes will develop her skills, and mentions Wisconsin coach Mark Johnson as a drawcard to the University team. A former Olympic hockey player himself, Johnson was named head coach of the American Women’s Olympic team in 2006. “It’s such an exciting opportunity to work with Mark Johnson,” she said.

In the future, Erika hopes to qualify for the next level of women’s competitive hockey, the Under 22s national team. “Though, that might be a few years off,” said Erika. However, with her drive and dedication to the game, we are sure to hear more of Erika Sowchuk.