Colleen Sostorics, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, returns to Estevan's All-Girls Hockey Camp, reflecting on the remarkable progress of women's hockey. Sostorics, originally from Kennedy, witnessed the sport's inclusion in the Olympics at 14, a pivotal moment that shaped her journey. After moving to Calgary for university, she honed her skills, joining the junior national team and eventually the senior team, playing with Team Canada for a decade, including three Olympic gold medals. Now residing in Regina, Sostorics, a defence specialist, contributes to the sport's development through her hockey school and consultancy work with the University of Regina Cougars. Her involvement in the All-Girls Hockey Camp is driven by a desire to inspire the next generation, especially her daughter, who plays hockey. Sostorics highlights the rarity of such professional-level opportunities for young girls, emphasizing the camp's role in fostering development and skill refinement. The camp's star-studded coaching panel, including Olympic referee Alex Clarke and Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) players Nina Jobst-Smith and Ashton Bell, further underscores the sport's growth. Sostorics' retirement from international hockey in 2010 predates the PWHL's founding in 2023, a testament to the sport's evolution. Her enthusiasm for the PWHL's launch in January 2024 is palpable, reflecting her deep connection to the sport's history and future. Sostorics' journey and her commitment to the All-Girls Hockey Camp exemplify the transformative power of mentorship and the ongoing journey of women's hockey, offering a rare glimpse into the professional realm for young athletes.
