Photo: Vancouver Goldeneyes player Malia Schneider runs down the gym floor inside the Chief Joe Mathias Centre last Thursday playing a hockey game with Squamish Nation youth. | PWHL
By Abby Luciano
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
North Shore News
Cheers and laughter filled the Chief Joe Mathias Centre last week as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) youth got to play and learn ball hockey from Vancouver Goldeneyes players.
Players Katie Chan, Malia Schneider and Darcie Lappan joined Squamish Nation youth in ball hockey drills and tricks followed by a game.
The visit was part of Vancouver Goldeneyes’ ongoing community outreach work, building meaningful relationships with local First Nations.
“It was an easy yes for me just because I really love these events and getting involved with the community that I grew up in,” Chan said.
Chan is from Richmond, but frequently visits the North Shore. During the hockey drop-in session, Chan taught Squamish Nation youth how to shoot and flip a ball in the air.
Following a few stick handling drills, it was game time. While the score wasn’t being recorded, the game created an energetic and memorable experience for both hockey players and kids.
For some young ones, it was their first time playing the sport, while others came to the gym floor with lots of hockey experience.
Regardless of skill level, the young players had fun hitting the floor with professional athletes.
“It was pretty cool,” said 16-year-old Sam Bathurst. “I really enjoyed it, they were nice.”
For Bathurst, the game meant more than just fun and play.
“Now that there’s women that we can look up to is pretty amazing,” she said about the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Bathurst is no stranger to the sport. She got her start a few years ago playing right wing and centre for North Shore Avalanche, a girls focused ice hockey association for youth in North and West Vancouver. In September, she will be heading into her sixth season.
The Squamish Nation youth aspires to be a professional athlete, playing hockey, rugby or lacrosse.
“I would just love to play one of those three sports and be a role model to some other younger girls one day,” Bathurst said.
After the game, the Vancouver Goldeneyes gave autographs to the Squamish youth and passed out merch, including a bobble-head of North Shore player Hannah Miller.
“It’s really important for the Goldeneyes to get involved in the community because we’re able to get to know our community and the people who come to our games and give back to them and also help grow the game,” Chan said. “It’s important for us to set up the next generation and be involved in events like these.”