‘I am ready this year to stand out’
New Minas teen heading to nationals with Team Atlantic
Mae Batherson is ready to turn some heads.
The 16-year-old New Minas resident is preparing for her second consecutive year lacing up her skates to play for Team Atlantic in the National Women’s Under-18 Championship.
“I have been working since last November to improve for this year to make the team again and perform better this year. I think last year it took me a little bit to adjust to the pace because I have never played at that high of a level before,” said Batherson.
“I think I am ready this year to stand out and make a name for myself against the top female players in Canada.”
Batherson joins the 20-player roster as one of six defenders selected for the elite squad representing Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island in the eight-team tournament taking place in Quebec City Nov. 1-5.
“I really enjoy playing in tough games, and against the best competitors. I think it’s when I play my best and I am ready to show that,” said Batherson.
The King’s-Edgehill School student is proud to represent Atlantic Canada, and considers herself lucky to have access to some high-quality hockey programs in Nova Scotia.
She recently committed to play for Syracuse University in 2019, and hopes to eventually receive an invite to a Team Canada development camp.
“My ultimate dream is to play on the national team and go to the Olympics,” said Batherson, who will share the ice with Falmouth’s Maggy Burbidge and fellow King’sEdgehill School student Lea MacLeod while suiting up for Team Atlantic.
“I’ve been dreaming of playing on Team Canada since I was four years old.”