Playing hockey the Canadian way
Team Canada under-18 women’s hockey player Celine Frappier draws high praise from her head coach.
“I think Don Cherry would be really proud of the way Frappier plays the game,” Lisa Haley said.
The 17-year-old Windsor native didn’t score in the roundrobin portion of the International Ice Hockey Federation Under18 Women’s World Championship in St. Catharines, but has proven to be a valuable asset to the Canadian team.
Her importance was highlighted by her play during a five-on-three penalty kill in a game against the United States.
“She sacrificed herself to block a shot and clear the zone,” Haley said. “It’s a combination of how smart she is, how gritty she plays and the leadership she brings to the table.”
The native of Tecumseh, Ont., near Windsor, wasn’t part of Team Canada’s roster for a threegame series versus the Americans in August, but she was named to the final roster.
“As we were rounding out our roster, we were looking for a certain type of character player and she fits the mould completely,” Haley said.
The 5-foot-4, 143-pound forward has excellent leadership skills and makes intelligent comments in the dressing room.
“You can tell she understands the game really well, and everyone in the room appreciates the price she’s willing to pay to make a play for us,” Haley said.
Frappier isn’t bothered by her lack of scoring in the tournament.
“I have a role on the team and I’m sticking to that role and trying to contribute to the team and as much as I can,” she said. “I’m an energy-type of player – just getting in there on the defence, pressuring them and killing penalties as well.”
She is enjoying her first experience as a member of Team Canada.
“The speed and the skill of the girls is absolutely amazing, and it’s great to be here with the best girls from Canada and around the world.”
The entire week has been a highlight for her.
“It’s just being with the girls and enjoying every single shift and every single moment with them.”
When this hockey season is over, she will move on to play NCAA Division 1 hockey at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa.
“I like how the campus is pretty small — there are only 4,500 students around — and I like the hockey program and the hockey coach. And that’s where Meghan Agosta went and she is my idol.”
Frappier and the Canadian team have loved the crowd support they have received in Niagara.
Beamsville native Annie Berg will always recall Canada’s opening game.
“I remember coming out for the warmup and it was just crazy,” she said. “And that was for warmup. And then you come out again for the game, and it’s just a dream come true.”
Haley has enjoyed the crowds and her first chance to be head coach for a Canadian team at the world championships.
“I am really fortunate to have Mel Davidson supporting me as our general manager. She has a boatload of experience as a head coach and she has helped steer me in the right direction,” Haley said.
The Westville, N.S., native has plenty of international experience, including serving as an assistant coach with Canada’s gold-medal-winning team at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and with the senior team at the 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2008 world championships.
“I have a ton of experience in short-term events at the international level, however, it is different being a head coach because the puck does stop here and I am in a position to make some decisions that I am usually not in as an assistant coach,” Haley said. “That’s where I really appreciate Mel. She has been my mentor for the entire event and hopefully we’ve put the right pieces in place to be successful the rest of the way.”
World championships are a challenge for any coach.
“In a short-term competition, trying to get everyone on the same page takes a lot of focus and a lot of hard work and I give the players all the credit,” Haley said. “They have worked hard to try and grasp the style of play that we are looking for.”
Canada played Russia in the semifinals Thursday night.