LAFLECHE — The roster for Team Saskatchewan U18 female team competing at 2024 National Women’s U18 Championship includes Lafleche-born player, Raela Packet.
The national championship takes place in Quispamsis, N.B. Nov. 3-9. Team Sask. will open their campaign Nov. 3 taking on Team Atlantic.
Hockey Sask. media release states, “This talented group of athletes will compete on the national stage, carrying the hopes of Saskatchewan as they face off against the best U18 female players from across the country. With a blend of experienced returnees and rising stars, Team Saskatchewan is poised for a strong showing.”
“I started skating at two years old and I was playing hockey at five years old. Growing up, my older siblings and cousins gave me a competitive edge and pushed me to improve,” Raela tells the Assiniboia Times and SASK.TODAY.ca.
“I fell in love with the sport and have spent countless hours playing shinny in my hometown rink with friends.”
The complete roster, featuring players born in 2007 and 2008, is available .
“Starting from U7 up until U13, I played minor hockey in Lafleche with the boys’ team. Once a girls' Wood River Ice Cats team was started, I played on both teams throughout the season. From a young age my goal was to make AAA and I knew the first step to that was playing the highest level I could. When eligible, I tried out in Swift Current for the U15 AA team. This is where I played my first- and second-year U15. I now play U18 AAA here in Swift Current,” adds the Lafleche hockey product.
“This Team Sask. female U18 roster showcases the depth of talent and dedication within our high-performance program,” says Joel Houseman, director of operations for Sask. First.
“These athletes have poured themselves into their training over the past three seasons, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved so far and excited to see them take this next step on Canada’s stage.”
“The Sask. First program begins in U15 and I was lucky enough to make the roster both my first and second year of U15. This consisted of the top 32 players across the province split into two teams. Wearing the Saskatchewan jersey was an honour and something I’ll never forget. Although the Sask. First program does not compete against other provinces at this age we were able to have a tournament against U18 AAA,” Raela says.
This tournament serves as a proving ground for Canada’s future hockey stars and a stepping stone toward international competition, including the opportunity to wear the Team Canada jersey in years to come.
Raela, who is currently in Grade 11 and attending Swift Current Composite High School, is playing AAA hockey there and billets in the community throughout hockey season. However, after hockey season concludes, she moves back home to Lafleche and will eventually graduate with her childhood friends.
“Being a student-athlete, it is often challenging to find time for my academics when our team is constantly travelling, practising, and doing off-ice training. Remembering to bring homework on the bus and working hard to stay ahead in my online classes is key. When going to nationals I will miss a whole week of school and will have to find time to do homework.”
Raela says she couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity to represent Saskatchewan on the big stage and she is thankful for the countless people who have supported her on her hockey journey.
“If it wasn’t for my family, friends and coaches I wouldn’t be at the level I am today.”
For real-time updates on Team Saskatchewan’s journey at the 2024 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, follow Hockey Saskatchewan on , , and .
Hockey Sask. website outlines that the Sask. First program, introduced by Hockey Saskatchewan in 1988, has been a source of immense pride and achievement in our province. This high-performance initiative was crafted with the dual goal of enhancing the game's comprehension and nurturing the growth of exceptional players, coaches, trainers, officials, and administrators. It empowers participants, enriching them as individuals, fostering self-satisfaction, and enhancing their enjoyment within the hockey community.
