Two former Westman Wildcats helped the University of British Columbia women’s hockey team claim its second straight Canada West championship.
As rookies, Hamiota’s Kenzie Robinson and Souris’ Jaedon Cooke both contributed to the Thunderbirds’ success. UBC not only won the Canada West title, but, at the U Sports national championships, the Thunderbirds made it all the way to the semifinals. Robinson and Cooke were two of a few members of the 2015-2016 Wildcats female midget AAA program, who graduated from the team and moved onto the post-secondary level.
Robinson, a forward, had a goal and four points in 19 games.
“She’ll need to wait for her opportunity so where we are at with Kenzie is continue to work on developing her skills and finding a role for her on the team,” Graham Thomas wrote in an email interview. “But her time will come very soon here and people are definitely going to know the name Kenzie Robinson. She’s going to be a very good player for us.”
Cooke, also a forward, battled an injury but also appeared in 19 games and collected an assist.
“She’s the fastest player on the team, and we have a pretty fast team,” Thomas told the Har Journalist website. “Her speed is incredible. …. She’s finding a role on the (penalty kill) and contributing using her skills. She is going to be a good five-year player for us as she gets older.”
Virden’s Mackenzie Roach opted to apply her athletic skills on the diamond rather than the ice. At the University of Regina, she was Western Collegiate Softball Association Second Team All-Star at the utility position. She helped the Cougars club team win bronze medals at the Canadian Collegiate Softball Association National Championships.
Killarney’s Courtney Ganke had a very successful rookie season at Lindenwood University. The Saint Charles, Mo. school competes at the NCAA Division I level. Ganske was named to the College Hockey American conference All-Rookie Team. The defenceman was second on her team with five goals and seventh with six points. Twice Ganske blocked five shots in a game.
Kaitlyn Crowe of Deloraine suited up last season for the University of Regina. The defenceman had three assists in 26 games.
Brianna Williams of Souris pursued her education in psychology at Brandon University last winter.Jaedon Cooke of Souris, MB plays for Thunderbirds.
