Three University of Regina women’s hockey players have been named to the Canadian team that will compete at the 2017 FISU Winter Universiade in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Forwards Kylie Gavelin and Jaycee Magwood as well as defenceman Alexis Larson have all earned spots on the final roster and will represent the Cougars as a part of Team Canada from January 29 to February 8.
Larson is a former Weyburn athlete, who grew up playing hockey in the community, and spend time with the Southern Range Gold Wings. Gavelin is another Gold Wings alumni.
The three Cougar standouts were invited to a Hockey Canada Development Camp that took place in Calgary in August, and have since been named to the Canadian roster.
“They’re three of our hardest workers, so it’s no surprise that they’re able to crack the roster on this Canadian team,” said Sarah Hodges, head coach for the University of Regina Cougar. “The talent level is certainly there but they’ve developed a lot over their time with us, and that is evidenced by their selections to the team.”
Larson will begin her fifth season with the Cougars this fall, coming off a 2015-16 season in which she led Canada West defencemen with five goals. The blue-liner also added nine helpers, good enough for fourth on the Cougars. Larson was also named a Canada West second-team all star. “I’m so honoured and excited to be named to the team, it’s a dream come true and a really humbling feeling.”
“No words can really describe the fact that I get to represent Canada on an international stage, it’s good inspiration for me to put my nose to the grind and work hard with everything,” said Larson.
Gavelin led the Cougars’ attack last season, and finished third in Canada West scoring with 11 goals and 16 assists in 26 games. The Mankota product was also recognized by the conference, being named a Canada West first-team all star.
Magwood was named the Canada West Rookie of the Year after a stellar campaign, scoring 11 goals and adding 15 assists for the Cougars. Her impressive efforts earned her Canada West second-team all-star honours and a spot on the CIS All-Rookie Team.
“I’m so proud of Jaycee and Kylie as well,” added Larson =. “It’s really a testament to the program as a whole and all of Coach Hodges’ hard work. We’re very excited to represent the university and our country.”
Canada’s last appearance at a Winter Universiade resulted in a silver medal in the 2015 competition in Granada, Spain.
“These three will be the first athletes from our program to attend a FISU Winter Universiade so it’s a pretty big honour,” added Hodges. “It’s a special thing for them to represent the CIS and wear the maple leaf on their chest.”
