The Montreal Victoire recently organized a youth hockey training clinic spanning four days at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre in the western part of Montreal. Nearly 90 girls aged between eight and 15 hit the ice to enhance their skills and receive guidance from experienced professionals.
Several young athletes shared their hockey ambitions and the significance of being mentored by their hockey idols with CBC. For the Victoire players, this camp marked a significant moment as they reminisced about their own beginnings, wished for similar opportunities during their upbringing, and expressed their desires for the game’s continual growth at the grassroots level.
Among the participants were young girls and Victoire members. Navarana Gadbois, an 11-year-old, who began skating at the age of four in Kuujjuaq after being inspired by her father’s hockey games, emphasized the importance of training camps for skill improvement. She dreams of playing at Concordia University and eventually joining the Victoire or even the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
Another participant, Elizabeth Tousignante, aged 10, expressed her enthusiasm for meeting the players and her aspiration to play for the Montreal Victoire indefinitely.
Alexandra Labelle, a forward for the Victoire, highlighted the significance of sharing her passion for hockey with the young participants. As a role model, she emphasized the importance of personal connections beyond just being a hockey player.
Kori Cheverie, the head coach of the Victoire, underscored the evolution of the game and the need for continued inclusivity across genders in hockey. She stressed the importance of providing more ice time and fostering an environment where everyone can participate.
The event showcased the dedication of both the young participants and the Victoire members towards advancing women’s hockey and nurturing the next generation of players.
[Link to the original article for reference: Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/victoire-camp-youth-girls-ddo-9.7313547)