Kendal Davidson (left) has been tabbed for the Scotia Rising Teammates Mentorship program (Photo courtesy Colton McKee)

By Scott Roblin

Elite Company

VIDEO: South Alberta Hockey Academy’s Davidson selected for mentorship program

Mar 9, 2021 | 5:55 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – South Alberta Hockey Academy Female U18 Prep defenceman Kendal Davidson is known for being quick on her feet, but news received this week almost knocked her off them.

Davidson has entered into an exclusive club, chosen among 21 athletes across Canada to take part in the Scotia Rising Teammates Mentorship program in collaboration with Hockey Canada and the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association.

“It was like no feeling I’ve ever had before,” said Davidson. “It was a feeling like people knew who I was and they know what I’m capable of. Now that I’m accepted into it, I’m going to get a very big opportunity that very few players will get.”

The program will give the 15-year-old a chance to be mentored by a member of the PWHPA for four weeks, which includes Olympians like Natalie Spooner, Ann-Renee Desbiens, Brigette Lacquette, Sarah Nurse and Blayre Turnbull.

A $1,000 donation will also be made out to the South Alberta Hockey Academy for Davidson being selected to join the program.

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“It was like no feeling I’ve ever had before,” said Davidson. “It was a feeling like people knew who I was and they know what I’m capable of. Now that I’m accepted into it, I’m going to get a very big opportunity that very few players will get.”

In her short time playing elite-level hockey, Davidson has already broken down barriers in the sport. Growing up in Lethbridge, the six-foot-one blueliner played exclusively in boys leagues and even earned the chance to play at the U15 AAA level last season with the Lethbridge Golden Hawks, racking up 12 assists in 32 games.

It’s a similar path as one of her idols, Canadian national team goaltender Shannon Szabados who spent time playing men’s hockey at the Alberta Junior ‘A’ and ACAC collegiate levels.

“I sort of wanted to follow in her footsteps more with staying in boys hockey,” said Davidson. “But, she’s ready led the path for me and showed me what I want to do when I’m older and help guide me there.”

Academy head coach Evan Vossen has only been around Davidson for a matter of months so far, but believes his star defenceman is already entering that same category.

“I don’t think she realizes it yet, but she’s already a role model for a lot of young females and I think she’s going to continue to be that way,” said Vossen.

The mentorship program is a new initiative for the PWHPA, who have been barnstorming across North America as part of the Dream Gap Tour to advocate for more opportunities for women in professional hockey.

Seeing this type of movement is inspiring for coaches like Vossen, who added young players like Davidson are vital to keep the sport growing in the female ranks.

“As a dad of a young girl, I want that for her whether that be in hockey or anything else,” said Vossen. So, that growth and this time span that they’re trying to raise awareness and bring awareness to the game is great I think.”

Though she’s still a teenager, Davidson wants to be that next ambassador for female hockey and is hopeful this program will only serve as the first step.

“I can have young girls look up to me now and I can be the next leader in this sport of women’s hockey,” said Davidson. “I just love the feeling of knowing that someday I’ll have little girls look up to me and I’ll be the leader.”