A pair of
Team BC female hockey players have had a golden season so far.
Anne Cherkowski (Vernon) and Jenn Gardiner (Surrey) helped Canada end a seven-year gold drought at the 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, held in Japan, in a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over the U.S. in January.
Read more: Team BC female hockey roster announced
With the U.S. leading 2-1 as the teams skated into the third period, Cherkowski evened the score with less than nine minutes remaining to set the stage for overtime. Canada had a four on three power play when they netted the game winner just 1:34 into the extra period.
“It was definitely an unforgettable moment winning that gold medal. As soon as I saw the puck go in the net all I remember is screaming and jumping on the bench. We were all going crazy and jumped onto the dog pile on the ice,” recalls Cherkowski. “After, we were all kind of stunned as to what really just happened.”
Cherkowski had three points (two goals and one assist) over the five games at the world championship. Besides winning the ultimate prize at the tournament, Cherkowski said she learned to enjoy the moment and be the best you can be in every circumstance.
“I am really excited heading into the Games. I think we have a really solid team this year and everyone will bring something different that will contribute to our team. I am really looking forward to heading to Red Deer and getting things started,” she said.
Gardiner said playing for Canada has helped in her preparation for the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.
“Playing for the U18 national team brought me great honour and it got me even more excited for the Canada Winter Games. I am excited to see my teammates from the national team, and I am looking forward for the opportunity to play against them. At the Games, I am going to do my best to set up my teammates for success, and to be a good leader on and off the ice. So far this season has been going very well, I am also very excited to play alongside two of my Greater Vancouver Comets teammates at the Games,” she said, referring to Jenna Buglioni (Port Moody) and Rebecca Clarke (North Vancouver).
One of the biggest take-aways from the world championship, besides the gold medal, for the forward was learning about how to fit into the role you are needed to play on a team that comes together for a short tournament.
“It may not be the same role that you are used to playing on your home team, but whatever it is you need to accept it and work your hardest at that role. I think that we were successful because every girl on our team did this in Japan. From my teammates, I also learned how to stay positive no matter what,” said Gardiner.
Heading into the Canada Winter Games, Gardiner sees a team full of strong leaders.
“I think that this will help our group focus on our gold medal goal and have a great overall experience. We have a lot of talent and I believe that we have a great chance at winning if we all work together from day one in Red Deer.”