Fun times at Quebec Games

Although the Southwest girls’ hockey team did not end up winning a medal at the Quebec Games, finishing 10th overall in the U15 tournament with a 1-2 record, it was still a very good experience for everyone on the team, which included three players from Kahnawake: Iakotste’niá:ron Deer, Ella Montour, and Teieronhiathè:tha Bauersfeld.

“I really enjoyed the experience, and I miss it a lot,” said Deer.

“I had so much fun meeting new people and bonding with my teammates.”

The many off-ice activities, including a DJ on the last day they were at the Games, was a fun bonus and made it an even better experience than she was expecting.

Montour really enjoyed being able to make new friends and form stronger bonds with Deer and Bauersfeld.

“We made strong bonds and I will remember this tournament for a long time. We had a lot of laughs, and I miss all the girls already,” said Montour.

Their coach for the tournament, Britney Bissonnette, saw a team that was made up of players from many teams unite as one.

“Getting to see them go from being shy to their normal, outgoing selves over a short period of time, and seeing even after a loss they were able to come together as one unit and win the next game as a family, celebrating a birthday, having a pizza party, and growing bonds with them and seeing them bond together over the love of a sport had to be the highlight of tournament,” said Bissonnette.

“We’ve all made memories to last a lifetime. I’m truly privileged to have gotten the chance to coach such an incredible group of girls.”

On the ice, the Southwest team lost their opening game 3-2 to Outaouais and won their second game of the tournament 6-1 to Richelieu-Yamaska.

All teams played only two preliminary games, and with a 1-1 record, Southwest was placed in a game for ninth place against Estrie, which they lost 4-2 to finish 10th.

Montour said playing with and against players who play in AAA as a AA player was a big challenge.

“It was a learning experience for me. The caliber was really strong, and the hockey was fast paced. I think I did well, and I was able to see the things that I need to improve on,” said Montour.

“I think we did really well, considering half of our team was AA and a lot of the stronger teams out there had mostly AAA girls. We were able to skate with them and keep up.”

Bissonnette praised all three girls from Kahnawake.

“Iakotste’niá:ron showed up and showed off. She competed and was able to put the puck in the net for her team. She showed hard work and showed off her speed throughout each game,” said Bissonnette of Deer.

“Her grit made it a joy to watch her out there. She brought intensity every time she stepped on the ice. Her forecheck and backcheck were something to reckon with and I was impressed with her progress from start to finish,” she said of Montour.

As for Bauersfeld, named one of three assistant captains for the tournament, Bissonnette said she was a true leader, a true power forward in the making, and was able to adapt herself to anything that was needed of her on the ice.

After the tournament, in the bus back home, Bauersfeld gave a speech to the rest of her teammates that left many in tears, Bissonnette included.

“At that point I knew more than ever we picked the right one to be our assistant,” said Bissonnette.

Team Outaouais went on to win gold, Montreal won silver, and Chaudiere-Appalaches won bronze.

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