Grace O’Brien tries out for Team Ontario.
Grace O’Brien.
Submitted photo
MISSISSAUGA - From May 25 to 27 Grace O’Brien, of Seguin Township, attended the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association 2012 National Women’s Under-18 Hockey Selection Camp.
Provincial teams
The OWHA is selecting two provincial teams to represent Ontario in the 2012 National Competition, which will be held in Dawson Creek, B.C. this November.
Participation in the elite camp was by invitation only.
In nominating grace for the privilege, her North Simcoe Capitals Midget coach, Terry King, said of Grace: “She sees the ice very well and has been our team’s leading goal-scorer every season while also being one of the most team-oriented and generous players I have encountered.”
OPWHL
During the camp Grace played four intense games with the best players from Ontario, many members of the Ontario Provincial Women’s Hockey League - the female equivalent of the men’s Ontario Hockey League.
“It was a great learning experience,” said Grace, “and a lot of fun. I can’t believe how skilled and fast these players are.”
The tryouts span three weekends in late May and early June, with over 400 players attending from across Ontario.
“With that many of the best players in Ontario competing,” said Grace, “It will be difficult to advance to the next stage; but, it was an honour to be invited and I hope to use what I’ve learned here to improve my game.”
Next year Grace will again be skating with the North Simcoe Capitals Midget ‘A’ team under coach Terry King.
This past season the team was a finalist in the Lower Lakes Women’s Hockey League Midget Championship and quarter-finalists in the OWHA’s Provincial Championship Tournament.
(Submitted article.)