By Lisa Parent

NEW

Wildcats and Rattlers collide: College hockey players offer mentorship to young athletes

Feb 16, 2024 | 4:58 PM

Wildcats and Rattlers aren’t exactly nature’s BFFs, but on the hockey ice, they get along quite well.

Four Medicine Hat Rattlers women’s hockey players have been spending time volunteering and coaching the U13 Wildcats team at the Moose Arena.

For the Wildcats, it’s an opportunity to learn from their older counterparts.

“They give us some inspiration of girls hockey and how it can be played well and at a high level,” Wildcat Kiya Britton said.

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“They really are just like a good influence on us.”

The Rattlers hockey team has been helping the Wildcats for two seasons now and they try to make it out to two practices a week.

“They sometimes let us do some of the drills that they do,” Wildcat Gibson Aadland said.

Jovi Ireland added: “Whenever they give us tips, it’s really helpful and then we do better in games.”

Mya Girard, forward for the Rattlers, knows the importance of providing a leadership role to the young girls.

“We’re trying to be the best positive influence we can,” Girard said.

“Being girls playing hockey, there’s not always lots of people to look up to, so we just try to be good role models for them.”

Rattlers goalie, Jessika Charron, finds every volunteer hour worthwhile, especially when she sees the Wildcats reciprocate support.

“It makes me so happy to see them at our games,” Charron said.

The Wildcats kick off their playoff journey on Feb. 24 against a Lethbridge team, possibly enjoying a slight edge on their opponents after a season of coaching and support from the Rattlers team.