Kirby in Utah

Nine-year-old Briella Kirby travelled quite a way from home to play AAA hockey as part of the Rose Series Tournaments.

The location of these tournaments depends on the ages of the players, and 2015-born Kirby went to Utah. All of the tournaments are under the name of the Rose Series but they each have different names depending on what city they take place. In Utah, the tournament was named The Park City Showdown and ran from July 9-13.

The tournament takes the top players from the United States and Canada. Kirby’s team represented Canada East and was named the Canadian East Rattlesnakes.

There were 11 teams in the Park City Tournament. Kirby’s team had a record of two wins and three losses.

“We are very proud of Briella, she has been so dedicated to her training on ice and off ice. She worked really hard leading up to this tournament. She is very passionate and loves hockey,” said Brianne Alfred, Kirby’s mom.

Not only is Kirby dedicated to hockey, but she also plays for the U11 Kahnawake Softball team, the Khaos. Kirby said she would also like to play lacrosse sometime in the future.

After Alfred found the tournament in December, she had to send in videos and highlights of Kirby for a chance to be chosen for the in-person tryouts.

“They had almost 30 girls for the 2015 division. It is an elite AAA tournament, so they try to take the top players,” said Alfred.

“It felt good that I was chosen because I represented Canada East and Kahnawake,” said Kirby. There were no other community members who were chosen for this event.

Even though far away from Kahnawake, both Kirby and her mom were not homesick. “I love it because I made new friendships, Park City was pretty cool with all the mountains and Olympic Park,” said Kirby. They explored the city, making new connections when off the ice.

“We realized that it was hard for the girls to breathe and catch their breath. So, it was a challenge she faced at the elevation of 7,000 feet,” said Alfred.

Some on the team struggled with this elevation, not being used to it. Even with this handicap, Kirby was able to score two goals and have some assists throughout the tournament.

“I had a lot of fun and had a great experience,” said Kirby.

[email protected]