Springdale resident takes home prestigious hockey award

It's all about stopping pucks for 13-year-old Abigail Clarke.

The Springdale native captured the Hard Hat award for her performance during the Atlantic Challenge Cup hockey tournament held in Moncton, New Brunswick on October 9-12.

The prestigious award is given to a player on each team who is selected to be the best overall contributor. The individuals' chosen demonstrate outstanding work ethic, a team player attitude, leadership and commitment to excellence.

"Winning the Hard Hat was great, because it's such a prestigious award and everyone wants it. I was honoured to have won it," said Ms. Clarke. "It was just an amazing feeling."

Although the Under 15 Girls' team lost the bronze medal game to Prince Edward Island by a score of 6-0, Ms. Clarke said bonding and playing with the girls is what matters.

"I liked playing with the girls. I think they did a great job. They stood very well in front of me," she said.

Memories of the good times of the tournament will always be there said Ms. Clarke, but for the time being, the young lady between the pipes is focusing on her next goal.

Ms. Clarke is preparing herself for tryouts for the AAA bantam girls' central team and the Canada Games.

And while some would consider being in net a hard role, Ms. Clarke enjoys the intensity the position brings.

"I love face paced hockey because it's exhilarating. You're adrenaline gets up there and you want to stop everything," said the netminder. "I like being in net because when you stop a puck, you get the feeling that you saved your team from another goal."

Ms. Clarke's mother, Renee, said she's proud of her daughter's accomplishments.

"She works very hard and with hard work it always pays off. She's very dedicated. Every chance she gets she's on the ice, it doesn't matter what team it's for," she said.

Renee also pointed out the hard work demonstrated by the other players.

"It was a team effort. We went up there as a younger team, with a lot of new girls playing and everyone played well. Not only did Abigail play well, but she had a good team in front of her."

Natalie Burt, 12, and Demi Pelley, 16, from Springdale also represented the province during the tournament.