It isn’t just the parents of 20-year-old Jessica Sibley who are proud of her hockey career. The community of Luseland also avidly follows her success story on ice, as do those who knew Jessica from the rink or from the ball diamonds where she also played fastball. In fact, the weekend of Feb. 6, the Luseland bar televised one of Sibley’s games that was on a big 10 station, and drew a crowd to watch their hometown hero in action.
Jessica Sibley, who grew up starting her hockey dream in the Luseland arena, now has experienced growing success with the Syracuse Orange University women’s hockey team based out of Syracuse, New York. Sibley is enrolled in Communications and Rhetorical studies while attending Syracuse University and pursuing her hockey career.
Mom Tanis and dad Kevin regularly post updates about their daughter on their social media sites that immediately garner dozens of celebratory posts from Luseland supporters, in addition to family and friends.
Jessica’s hockey successes have been increasingly notable since she first started playing in the Luseland minor hockey system. Before Syracuse University, Sibley was honoured in the 2012-13 season as the JWHL offensive player of the year scoring 41 goals and 26 assists totalling 67 points while playing for Warner school. She played in the JWHL all star game and was a member of Team Saskatchewan, while also being voted most valuable player in her senior year.
In her freshman year at Syracuse University, 2013-2014, Sibley was named to the All-CHA rookie team, and awarded CHA rookie of the month honours two months in a row. She finished as the third leading scorer on the team with 12 goals and 14 assists from the 37 games she played in. Sibley made a name for herself scoring her first collegiate goal in her very first collegiate game in a power play that led them to a win.
In Jessica’s sophomore year, 2014-15 at SU, she was named CHS player of week in October as well as named to the CHA all-academic team.
The website www.cuse.com lists all the details about the Syracuse Orange as well as individual stats and accoloades for No. 7 Jessica Sibley.
With the season only just entering playoffs, Jessica’s already notable stats have garnered much attention within hockey circles as well as from her dedicated supporters and fans.
Proud father Kevin remarks, “Jess’s outstanding achievements on ice are visible in the classroom as well. Her puck handling is still amazing to watch as she works so hard on her game, evidenced by her team stats – which she is leading. Accompanied by a strong line on and off the ice has helped Jess gain top spot.”
Tanis, Kevin, sister Megan and sister Becky were able to travel to Syracuse in January to watch two games and Kevin gushed, “It is great watching her play live, to be part of the exciting atmosphere as well as hearing how the crowd and other parents praise her hard work; always adds to the pride for a parent.”
Jessica’s hard work in garnering two game-winning goals in overtime has earned her the nickname “Sniper Sibs.” Sibley has three regular season games to go and the team has earned a bye through the first round of playoffs.
Because dad Kevin lives in the UK he watches as many games as he is able online; marking every great moment with a proud post and even sharing a video clip of one of his daughter’s more remarkable goals in a February 12 game.
Sibley’s stats this season are: played 31 games, has 11 goals 17 assists for a total of 28 points. Jessica is tied for first for top points on team, as well as ranked first in the CHA and fourth nationally with six game-winning goals earning her the hashtag on the @CuseIce twitter page as #clutch.
Mom Tanis also loves to watch her daughter’s games on the internet and was very happy to have been to Syracuse twice, in November and January, to watch live. Tanis cheered saying, “As parents we are very proud of her. She is tough on herself and works hard. Jessica always remembers her roots and stays in touch with past coaches.”
Tanis also adds, “She gets lots of community support and people ask about her lots. Some people feel bad for her sister Megs because it appears Jess gets all the attention, but you can be sure that Megs is super proud of her little sis.”
In an electronic interview with Jessica herself, between games in Syracuse, she tells us, “I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my family as they made it all possible for me starting from a young age. It's amazing the support I receive from the community, I appreciate it very much! I love hearing and reading comments from Luseland and other supporters as it is truly special."
About her success, Jessica says, “My key to success would be just to meet both short and long term goals that I set throughout the year. When I'm at the rink or gym I treat it like a job, and once I'm in the locker room I leave all my other worries and thoughts outside. It's all about hockey when I'm there.”
Jessica adds, “My mindset heading into playoffs would be to take it one game at a time, and would be to come out on top. We have been working towards this goal from the start of the season. We want to win! We have the potential to win, we just need to go out there and play our game.”
When asked who has been one of her biggest influences as coach or mentor impacting her hockey success today, Sibley responds, “Dean Campbell coached me for many years growing up. He truly got me started with hockey and taught me what hockey is all about. He still follows my hockey career and always wants to know how I'm doing. It's such great ongoing support and I couldn't thank him enough."
When asked how she describes her hometown of Luseland, Saskatchewan to her USA friends and team mates, she happily responds, “How do I describe Luseland? I say it's a small town kind of in the middle of nowhere. They don't understand how we only have two restaurants, one bar; however the biggest benefit is that you pretty much know everyone that walks or drives by you. And, many know me and have supported me throughout my hockey career. I'm proud to say I'm from Luseland.”
This testament is voiced often by Saskatchewan athletes when telling others about their roots and the support that they receive from their communities when pursuing their dreams.
Sibley’s star has been on the rise ever since she strapped on skates for the first time. Folks from Luseland and surrounding communities who had the pleasure of watching her play while she was in this area are often heard remarking on her recent successes, whether on social media or at the area rinks. Jessica’s passion for the game is evidenced in the continued success she has been a part of as she pursues her hockey career. This reporter is sure that our paper will be writing another story or two on this motivated girl as she continues to realize her hockey dream. One prediction heard is “Some day, Luseland is gonna have a sign that says "home of star hockey player, Jessica Sibley!” This statement is testament to the pride of a community when watching their home town girl succeed in their dreams.
