SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Stars are less than a week away from kicking off the most important tournament that some of team’s players will ever suit up in. But yet, the Stars are relaxed and beaming with confidence.
“We’re just looking to go down there and have some great competition,” said Stars captain Danielle Nogier.
“Last year we only got bronze, so we’re looking forward to going there and get some redemption and hopefully bring home that gold medal this year.”
The Esso Cup is a grind. Seven games in seven days. But the Stars believe that the tournament’s gruelling format will work in their favour. Saskatoon’s head coach, Greg Slobodzian, thinks the Stars depth could give his team a significant edge.
“Everyone sees almost the exact same amount of ice, so that really helps us,” said Slobodzian. “Teams that cut down to two lines at the beginning of a tournament … by the end they’re just dead.”
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There’s a ton of pressure that comes along with playing at the Esso Cup. The media and scouts are watching your every move, not to mention hundreds of screaming fans in attendance as well.
But luckily for the Saskatoon Stars, no moment is too big for their goaltender, Emma Johnson. The 16-year-old loves playing on the big stage.
Emma’s team mates think that she performs better under pressure.
“In the playoffs she had a lot of hecklers out there,” said Nogier. “She handled it so well and that just makes her play awesome, which is great for us.”
“I like the idea that I’m the last line of defence,” says Johnson. “Knowing that my team mates trust me enough and know that the majority of the time if something gets past them I’m there to make the save, is kind of a nice role to play.”
In 2015, the Saskatoon Stars were the tournament’s newcomers, making their first ever appearance at the Esso Cup. But this time around, the Stars will have a target on their back. Saskatoon is different from every other squad at the 2016 Esso Cup, because the Stars are the only returning team from the 2015 national championship tournament.
The Stars will kick off their 2016 Esso Cup run on Sunday at 7 p.m. CT against the host Weyburn Gold Wings.
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