Last winter Elkhorn’s Karli Frederick seized the opportunity to continue her hockey and academic career.
After two seasons playing for the Assiniboine Community College women’s hockey team and earning an agribusiness diploma, the daughter of Rodney and Bonita Frederick headed to Olds College in Alberta. In her first season at ACC in Brandon, Frederick was second on the Cougars in points and earned American Collegiate Hockey Association All-American Second Team. During the 2018-2019 campaign, Frederick was a key member as ACC won the ACHA Division II national championship in Frisco, Texas.
“I knew I wasn’t done playing hockey and wanted to keep playing, and Olds (College) had the perfect opportunity for me to continue my education along with playing hockey,” she said.
Frederick appreciates how her family has backed her athletic and academic pursuits.
“They have given me so much support throughout my whole hockey career and supported my big decision to move to Alberta completely and I couldn’t thank them enough for that,” she said.
At Olds College, Frederick is enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Agriculture program. She also led the Broncos in goals with five. The forward tallied eight points in 24 games – fifth on the squad. Olds College head coach Chris Leeming said that Frederick helped the team in many ways.
“First off, she is a great person with a sense of humor who is a positive influence to be around, and she is also a great teammate. Secondly, she brings two very valuable assets to our team: winning experience and leadership,” he said. “She served as an assistant captain for the Assiniboine Cougars, who were ACHA D2 National Champions … Karli has a very calm demeanor and character, but her work ethic speaks for itself, and when she does speak, everyone listens because she has a lot of great perspective and insight to share.”
Frederick adapted to the level and style of play in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. She had five points and three goals for the Broncos after Jan. 1. Leeming, who described her as a “very intelligent and hard-working player,” said:
“She has been enjoying more success in the second half due to her commitment to improving and the passion she has for the game. It is a testament to her character that she persevered through some challenges early on. Again, this circles back to her leadership capacity, which is an inspiration for her teammates to follow suit.”
Frederick greatly enjoyed her new teammates on the Broncos.
“I’ve gained so many new friends. I think that’s the best part and makes everyday better when I get to spend it with them - whether it’s at the rink or outside the rink.”
