Maritimes takes on Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada festivities

The Dalhousie University women’s hockey team brought Maritime hockey to the national stage on Jan. 17, facing off against the Université de Moncton during the annual Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada event at the Avenir Centre in Moncton, N.B.

Sportsnet aired the game live as part of the annual celebration, with Ron MacLean, host of Hockey Night in Canada, calling the action. This year marked the fourth time the event has been held in the Maritimes, drawing 2,348 attendees, 

Abby Larkin, a second-year psychology student and Tigers’ defender, enjoyed playing in front of the crowd.

“Our coach said in warm-up to go for your first lap and look around, and take it all in,” Larkin said. “We’ve never played in front of that many fans before.”

Before puck drop, Jennifer Botterill and Rebecca Johnston, three-time Olympic gold medalists and former professional players, took to the ice.

Johnston announced the Tigers’ starting lineup, while Botterill read Moncton’s lineup. The two also participated in a ceremonial puck drop alongside the Tigers’ captain, Lexie Small, and the Aigles Bleues’ assistant captain, Maritza Labrie.

“The exposure that we got by being involved in something that was nationally televised and nationally celebrated was outstanding exposure for the two teams,” said John Keefe, the president and CEO of the AUS.

The game was scoreless until the second period, when Moncton took a two-goal lead after goals by forward Amélie Vachon and defender Myriam Thériault. The Tigers responded late with a goal from Avery Holmes. 

The Aigles Bleues overcame the Tigers, taking it 2-1 in regulation. 

Unique experience for the Tigers

Keifer House, the head coach of the Dalhousie women’s hockey team, said the event was a unique experience for both teams. 

“[To] be a part of something that was getting a lot of media attention and was dressed up and really put on in a good way, it was special.”