A hockey player born and raised in Smithers will be playing for one of the highest honours possible in women’s hockey this weekend – the Clarkson Cup, won by the top team in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL).
Haleigh Callison grew up playing Smithers minor hockey with the boys, eventually heading to UBC for school, where she played for the school’s varsity team. After a year in the Western Women’s Hockey League, she headed overseas to play for a professional team in Berlin, before moving back to Canada.
“It was good hockey and definitely fun, but I wanted to be playing in the best league in the world,” she said.
Upon arrival in her homeland, Callison headed to Burlington, Ontario to play for the CWHL team there. The following year, she joined the brand new Toronto team, which is heading into playoffs this weekend in Barrie, Ontario. She did insist that her current team, which plays on the same ice the Maple Leafs and the Marlies use for practice, hasn’t converted her into a Leafs fan.
“It’s been awesome, it’s a great group of girls,” said Callison.
The Clarkson Cup tournament will feature Toronto, Brampton, Minnesota and top-ranked Montreal. Callison said although she’s played against most of the teams before, “it really could be anyone’s cup.”
Of the differences between high-level men’s and women’s hockey, a major one is players missing games because they have to work. The rosters get a bit smaller when they travel to Boston or Montreal, she said. On the plus side, the athletes give it their all, with no ulterior motives.
“We’re playing truly for the love of the game. It’s not for the money, that’s for sure,” she said.
Callison found herself a bit nervous last fall, having to try out in front of future teammate and four time Olympic hockey team medalist Jennifer Botterill; within a week, though, she said the whole team was friendly with each other. Although Callison said she doesn’t play a huge role on the ice, she does value her chance to contribute to the team.
“When you’re playing with Olympians, it’s a role you have to accept,” she said. “When I get my shot, I feel confident out there.”
Callison said she hopes current female hockey players in Smithers will be encouraged that there’s high calibre competitive hockey available for women, not just the Olympic team. She believes the current teams in the CWHL are building a league for future generations. Her advice for young girls with hockey dreams?
“Keep having fun, love the game and enjoy every second of it, and don’t be afraid to be challenged,” she said.