CLARKE’S BEACH, N.L.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
CANADA
Back in her hometown of Clarke’s Beach, Shailynn Snow was finding it a bit hard to believe she just realized a lifelong dream of playing for Team Canada at an international level.
The 17-year-old forward appeared in two of the three games played between the National Women’s Under-18 Team and the United States under-18 squad. The summer showcase was held in Calgary, Alberta Aug 16-19.
“It was a dream come true,” says Snow on how it felt stepping onto the ice for the first game. “I’ve been looking forward to that moment ever since I was a little girl.”
In the selection camp that immediately preceded the games against the Americans, Snow stood out on the ice, collecting two goals and two assists in three intrasquad games.
“I felt like my camp series was one of my better performances,” says Snow, who later found out she made the team in a meeting with Hockey Canada staff.
“I was relieved and excited.”
In the series against the Americans, Snow was held off the scoresheet. The action was definitely at a higher skill level than she’s experienced before, but Snow kept up with the play and felt good about her performance overall. The coaching staff used her at centre, a position she is not used to playing. She normally plays at right wing.
“I’d prefer to stick to my right wing or left wing. I’m not really a centreman, but if that’s what they need me to play, then I’m happy to play it.”
There were plenty of people cheering Snow on in Calgary, including her mother Connie Mugford and grandfather Ernie Mugford, who both travelled there for the series. Snow also had additional family living in Calgary who made it to the games.
“It was a nice feeling having family and fans that I knew up in the stands.”
Having the experience of playing for Team Canada in her back pocket, Snow is now focused on having a good start to her final season with Ridley College in the Junior Women’s Hockey League. Hockey Canada will keep an eye on her play prior to selecting the team to compete at the International Ice Hockey Federation 2019 U18 Women’s World Championship in Obihiro, Japan, Jan. 6-13.
“They just told me to keep doing what I’m doing,” Snow says of her exit meeting with Hockey Canada. “I always try to work on getting better and take little steps every day to achieve what goals you set.”
She knows competition will be stiff, but Snow feels she has a reasonable shot at making the team for worlds.
“I figure my chances are pretty good. But then again, it all depends on how I play in the fall, so I’m definitely going to work my hardest.”
After this season, Snow is committed to play on a full scholarship at St. Lawrence College in Canton, New York.
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