Player Highlight: Asha Petrie, Women’s Hockey

When it comes to local female hockey players in the Border City aspiring to play at the next level, Asha Petrie has lived the dream the last four years.

The veteran forward and her Rustler teammates continue to roll in the ACAC, sitting at 16 wins and a clear five points ahead of the nearest competition. She said playing at home has been a privilege.

"Everyone has that itch at some point to get out of their hometown," Petrie said. "But I realized that being at home, saving money, playing for my hometown and having all of my family supporting what I do, I can think of any situation that's better honestly."

"I have friends that play at other schools, and they haven't had the opportunity to travel like we have. That's what the community support has allowed us to do."

Heading towards her high school graduation, the fourth-year education student had looked at other schools, including in the United States. However, a familiar face by the name of Morgan Mann starting a new program right here in Lloydminster changed her mind.

"Yeah, 'Morg' was one of the best coaches, if not the best coach, I had growing up," Petrie said. "I played Junior Rustlers for him and rugby as well for several years. Knowing I had the opportunity to paly for him again was appealing."

"Asha's more than a glue person," Coach Mann said. "Not just a person people gravitate to, but a really good human being that sets the tone for culture in our room, has strong relationships and is one of the most respected players on the team."

"We've spent a lot of time together and she's a strong character. She treats people well, speaks for what's right and everyone, from new players to vets, respects Asha."

Part of a group that entered the ACAC together as rookies four years ago, Petrie said the buy in for what their coaching staff demands of the locker-room has played a large role in their success. Having been 18 to now serving as a veteran, she has enjoyed the evolution of her role, but also the dynamic of her teammates.

"From the very start, we were all coming out of high school and that set a really good basis," Petrie said. "Now I'm older and a leader, but us as leaders aren't trying to boss others around, we're all trying to do our best to makes things work, so drama has never been an issue or it gets dealt with fast."

On the ice, Mann said Petrie still sets the tone.

"She brings a lot of speed and when she's playing with pace and is physical, brings a strong element to our team," he said. "Her style of game embodies how we want to play."

Taking the education route academically allowed Petrie to work with students from Father Gorman in the fall for her six-week practicum, an experience she enjoyed seeing continue during one of the team's outreach activities.

"We had the grade 2-3 students for their Skate Day at Bud Miller Park," she said.  "We cooked hot dogs, and the class that I taught and will go back to in February, they got a picture of what my life was like outside of teaching, which was fun."

"That's another part of being in my hometown I've enjoyed. Knowing that after I graduate, I'll hopefully find a job in Lloyd, being able to make connections makes a big difference."

While Petrie is leaning towards coming back for her fifth year of eligibility after graduating, she's focused right now on defending the Rustlers ACAC title. Despite the temptations of losing focus when the team is winning as much as they have, the veteran forward said their culture and depth has held up.

"We have some moments where we are losing, but as a group, we roll lines and don't have the same people sitting all the time," she said. "We trust in each other that we can get the job done, that's a big part of our success."

Asha Petrie is finishing her fourth year of Bachelor of Education through the University Transfer program at Lakeland and the University of Calgary. She and the result of the women's hockey team are back at the Cenovus Energy Hub this Friday night against the NAIT Ooks, with puck drop at 7:15 pm.