Olympic gold medallist inspires hundreds of Winnipeg’s hockey girls

WINNIPEG — Olympic gold medallist Cassie Campbell-Pascall took to the ice at MTS Iceplex Sunday to inspire the girls of Winnipeg.

The Annual Scotiabank Girls Hockeyfest ran all day Sunday, with Campbell-Pascall, former teammates, colleagues, and over 300 girls from the ages of seven to 14 learning skills on and off the ice.

The event is a way for women and girls to learn about the importance of a sport that’s traditionally been very male dominated in the past.

“For me, I remember walking to an arena and you’d hear the whispers, ‘oh girls shouldn’t play hockey.’ We heard it and it definitely hurt. But, for me I think it motivated me,” said Campbell-Pascall.

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The Olympic gold medallist said since she started playing the sport around the age of seven, she’s seen a real shift and is inspired to see so many girls and women on the ice.

“The province of Manitoba is producing some unbelievable women hockey players,” said Campbell-Pascall.

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She said it’s important for girls to remember that no one can stop them from playing a game they love.

“I think for young girls they learn about being strong and powerful and it’s OK to be aggressive and feminine all at the same time,” said Campbell-Pascall.