For ±«Óătv University women’s hockey goaltender , donning the goalie pads felt natural from the start.
“I always wanted to play hockey because all my friends at school were playing and talking about it, and I wanted to experience all that excitement,” says Grace, a third-year recreation studies student from Oakville, Ont.
“So, as soon as I put those goalie pads on, I was always smiling whenever I had my equipment on.”
Since joining ±«Óătv, Grace has put in the hours of hard work to achieve her goals as a student-athlete. She has already accomplished a lot in her time with the Tigers, but the highlight of her career so far came when she was given the opportunity to compete for Team Canada at the in Torino, Italy this winter — thanks, in part, to a .956 save percentage, which makes her the second best in the country in her position.
Grace helped lead Team Canada to a silver medal at the event that ran January 13 to 23, an experience she describes as incredibly surreal.
“Being selected for Team Canada at the FISU World University Games was an incredible honour, to say the least, and one that I’m deeply grateful for,” she said.
“With so many talented goalies in U SPORTS who dedicate themselves to the game and work so hard, being one of those three chosen was both humbling and surreal.”
A team effort
Gracer’s path to this remarkable achievement was not without its trials and tribulations.
It was a moment of reflection on the countless hours of hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering support from those who believed in her. And while she was the one on the ice, she was quick to point out that her time with Team Canada was about more than just her.
It’s definitely a moment I will cherish forever
“This opportunity was not just about me and my achievements but everyone who has helped me and guided me along the way,” she says.
“It’s definitely a moment I will cherish forever, and I’m truly honoured to have had the chance to compete at this level and to be forever part of that team.”
Grace fortifies Team Canada's net in Torino, Italy.
Building a legacy
Representing ±«Óătv at the FISU Games and joining the ranks of past Tigers who have won FISU medals means the world to Grace
It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes in the women’s hockey program at ±«Óătv.
“This achievement just means so much, not just on a personal level, but also for ±«Óătv and our women’s hockey program. It’s a major opportunity to continue building our program’s legacy and to showcase the talent, dedication, and resilience that truly defines us as a culture,” she says.
Grace feels particularly excited about the new arena now under construction on campus. She says the addition of the Oulton-Stanish Centre will serve as a major stepping stone for the team.
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“Having a state-of-the-art facility right on campus will significantly enhance the support we receive at games and just the atmosphere for home games, creating an even better environment for both the players and fans,” she says.
“A top-tier facility will provide us with the resources to keep improving our game and continue building on this momentum. I’m extremely excited to step onto the ice in at the Oulton-Stanish Centre in the coming year and see what the future holds for ±«Óătv women’s hockey.”
Looking ahead
Grace's journey at ±«Óătv is far from over. She remains motivated by the growth of women’s hockey and the possibility of continuing her career professionally overseas.
“You just never know where your path might lead you,” she says.
It’s an opportunity for us to make some new history, and I just can’t wait to be a part of it.
As she continues to push herself to new limits and strive for improvement, Grace remains grateful for the support of her coaches, teammates, and the entire ±«Óătv community. She says it’s not just about the achievements and accolades she’s received in her time as a Tiger, but also about the relationships she’s built along the way.
“It’s an opportunity for us to make some new history, and I just can’t wait to be a part of it.”