After dispatching their first-round opponent, the Eastman Selects U18 AAA female hockey team is ready to take on the Westman Wildcats in round 2 starting Wednesday night.

"We finished our regular season playing the Interlake in Niverville," superstar Ava Boily explains. "We came out with a 3-0 win so that prepared us for the playoffs. We played it like a playoff game to kind of prepare us for the series. It was a great series, they have some really good goaltending which gave us a challenge but we came out with a 3-1 series win."

Awaiting them now is a Wildcats club that has had the edge in the regular season but marquee player Ginger Fast says all that means is more motivation for the group. "In regular season we didn't have much luck against them. They were all close games, but we're hoping to do so this round."

Fast knows if her team plays their game, they'll be successful. "It's a mental game, we have to come to the rink prepared. We have to be in the right mindset because, at the end of the day, you're the only person who can control your game, that's a big thing for our team."

 

Boily says it's easy to enjoy coming to the rink and going to battle with teammates when it's such a close-knit group. "I think this year we've gotten a lot closer with everyone. When we win, we get closer, we're happy, we love coming to the rink. As leaders, we cheer on the rookies, our younger players and hopefully they come to love coming to the rink. Everyone's been in a good mood and atmosphere when they come to the rink."

As one of the graduating players, Fast is cherishing the moments while knowing there's more work to be done. "It's sad but I'm happy we're leaving on a good note. We've had a good season and it's not over yet. It's been a really good run. I couldn't be happier leaving with a good group of rookies, I think they're going to make a real positive impact in the next few years. They have some really great talent."

Game one is set for Wednesday in Hartney with game 2 in Niverville at the CRRC on Saturday at 12:30 pm. Boily says having a loud building supporting them means the world to the team. "It means so much. Niverville has been a really great rink to go to. We have new horns and when we score, they all go off, like semi-horns, it gets really loud in there, it gets really hype. It's so awesome to see the crowd that's come out to watch."

Next season, Fast will be off York University in Ontario and she says seeing the road being paved for women in professional hockey is nothing short of life-altering. "I value it all so much. I think it's amazing that people can put their careers into hockey. I think that's something we've wanted, every single girl that's played hockey. I think everyone has a chance now. I think it would be cool to see my teammates or players I've played against end up in the PWHL."

Both Boily and Fast agree that the future is bright for many young women in the Selects program and beyond. "It's very exciting and I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of them."