Since she was eight years old, Tori Eilers’ ultimate goal was to play university or college hockey.
The Virden product is certainly on track to accomplish that. She recently committed to study and play at Olds College in Alberta.
“I’ve had to make a lot of big decisions in life to keep after this goal; like missing out on the other parts of high school like the parties, dances, movie trips in the city and hanging out with my other friends outside of hockey,” the Virden Collegiate Institute student said. “I’ve put all my eggs in one basket chasing the dream, refusing to hang the skates up at 18.”
Olds College head coach Chris Lemming is thrilled to have Eilers joining his program next season. He believes she is a great fit for a number of reasons.
"A Big Goalie"
“In terms of athletics, Tori is a big goalie, standing at 5-foot-10, who has several characteristics that will make our team better,” Lemming said. “She communicates very well with her teammates on the ice. She has great puck tracking skills and competes extremely hard.
“In addition to that, she has discussed with me her significant personal growth that she has experienced over the past year in terms of her confidence and mental toughness. That tells me that she is committed to finding ways to improve herself both on and off the ice, which ties directly to the culture we are establishing here for our hockey program. We want good people, not just good athletes, and Tori meets both of those needs.”
Eilers’ commitment to Olds comes after a very successful start to the season for the Yellowhead Chiefs midget AAA team. She was named the Manitoba Female Midget AAA Hockey League’s goalie of the month for October when she posted a 5-1 record with a shutout. As of Sunday, in league play, she had a 2.22 goals against average and a .923 save percentage.
“Playing for the Chiefs is an absolute honour. They’re one of the best programs in the league and have turned out some high quality players,” said Eilers, who praised head coach Derek Tibbatts for his ability to bring out the very best in players and a team as a whole. “Pulling on the blue and yellow sweater is a surreal experience and always a thrill. It always feels like you’re trying to keep the legacy alive of the Chiefs, which pushed me that much harder to be better and want to be the best.”
Eilers is excited for the opportunities offered on and off the ice at Olds. The farm girl has already been accepted into the agricultural management program. She is looking forward to playing in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. Eilers attended a spring camp in Olds earlier this year.
“It’s a smaller town compared to other cities, and I felt instantly welcome in the community and by the school,” she said. “They have a young team in the league and I love the idea of getting to be a part of history there and making a name for the women's ice hockey team at Olds College. The overall character and idea of the town and college was a perfect fit!”
Family play huge role
Eilers said that her mom Courtney, dad Brian, and stepmom Laura each play a huge role in her hockey career. Eilers praised Courtney for always being a big supporter and “always having hot meals in the crockpot ready for me for late nights after practices.”
“She’s made me her own little celebrity and loves to promote whichever team I’m on all over, proudly wearing my team’s colours around town, cheering from abroad when I’m on the road.”
Eilers said that her stepmom Laura, a nurse, has also been one of her biggest fans: “whether she’s the loudest in the stands or bragging about her stepdaughter’s game the night before at the hospital.” The player also appreciates her stepmom packing a huge bag of snacks for road trips.
Her father, Brian, has put in countless hours coaching her teams. In her rookie midget AAA season, she played for the Norman Wild out of Thompson. Her father drove to Thompson nine times and to The Pas four times in one winter.
Dad is best friend, best coach
“He is so full of knowledge about the game, and has taught me everything he knows. I am beyond lucky to have grown up with and to be raised by him. My dream became his and he chased me all over Western Canada, driving me to practices and games. … My dad is my best friend, the best coach, and has gotten me to where I am.”
Dan Averill of Westman Elite Goaltending believes that Olds is getting not only a high-level goalie, but also a great person. Eilers is a student at his Brandon-based school. While Averill said she is a “very athletic goalie who uses her natural talent to battle for loose pucks,” he is most impressed by her willingness to learn, constant drive to get better, and her character.
“Every week she helps my eight-year-old daughter get ready for our goalie training night,” Averill said. “My daughter, Danica, looks up to Tori and strives to follow in her footsteps. Westman Elite is lucky to have Tori as a member of our group. The staff and students of Olds will undoubtedly grow to care for her as much as we do.”
