After spending the past four years with the Providence Friars (NCAA) women’s hockey team, goaltender Mireille Kingsley has decided to finish things off much closer to home.

There is, as those close to her know, a very special reason behind her decision to pursue both her academics (Masters in Anatomy and Education) and athletics with the University of Ottawa Gee Gees.

“School-wise, University of Ottawa was the best choice – and family-wise, it’s also the best choice – but being able to finish the career that my sister (Melisa) didn’t get a chance to finish is pretty special for me,” said Mireille.

A very talented goal scoring threat throughout her minor hockey career, Melisa Kingsley (four years older thab Mireille) lost her battle with cancer in October of 2018.

Given that her older sibling wore #23 throughout her time with the Lady Wolves, the local netminder has chosen to do the same with the Gee Gees, in spite of her role between the pipes.

Suiting up in 20 games spread over a four year span (Kingsley redshirted one season), the puckstopper who led the Lady Wolves to a silver medal performance at the 2019 Esso Cup nationals in Sudbury has learned that dealing with adversity only makes one stronger.

"I think mentally, it was a bit of a roller coaster," Kingsley suggested of her time in Rhode Island with the Friars. "I think that whatever situation the coaches threw my way, I tried my best to fulfill that."

"For my team, I always want to be a good teammate," added the now 22 year old graduate of College Notre-Dame. "Even when I am not getting games in, practicing hard and focusing and wanting to play is important."

Clearly, the refresh that the Gee Gees might provide is attractive to the goalie who earned an invitation to the Hockey Development U18 Camp in the summer of 2019.

"I think my "want to play" is still very much there and that is keeping me going," said Kingsley. "I think my game has developed. I think I have strengthened my mental toughness and I'm really excited to get started at Ottawa."

That ability to cope is sure to come in handy when Kingsley plays her very first game in an Ottawa jersey.

"I know that it's going to be emotional, for sure, but I'm also excited for my family, for myself, for my sister."

Still with girls hockey, the recent Ontario Summer Games in London would see the SDGHA (Sudbury District Girls Hockey Association) not only represented, but distinguishing themselves.

Netting one of her team's goals in the championship encounter, forward Sadie Frantz joined Lady Wolves' teammate and defenseman Olivia Carriere on the gold medal winning Team Black roster.

Also in attendance at the event were blueliners Adrielle Charette and Alexa Labrecque as well as Timmins native Lacey Rivers, who signed on with the U15 AA Lady Wolves last season.

Preparing for her first season as head coach of the Sudbury U18 AA Lady Wolves this winter, Stephanie Pascal managed to get a feel for her main role behind the bench at the Games, serving as head coach of Team Gold.

Pascal and her local team hit the ice this coming Thursday as they prepare for the upcoming Etobicoke Exhibition Series on Labour Day weekend.