The NAIT Ooks women's hockey team is set to make unforgettable memories both on and off the ice this holiday season as they embark on a European tour from December 27th to January 8th. This special trip marks the 25th anniversary of the program and promises to offer players an incredible mix of competitive hockey, cultural exchange, and life-changing experiences.
The Ooks will take on a series of high-caliber opponents during their European journey:
- Game 1: December 29th vs. U18 German National Team (https://www.red.sport/de-de/livestream/germany-u18-nait-ooks-u18/1851106)
- Game 2: January 3rd vs. HC Slovan Bratislava
- Game 3: January 4th vs. HC Dragon Budweiser
- Game 4: January 6th vs. HC Kladno
This diverse schedule not only provides the Ooks with an opportunity to compete against international talent but alsoshowcases the global reach of women's hockey.
A Trip Beyond Hockey
For head coach Brendan Jensen, the trip represents much more than just a series of games. "This is a 25th anniversary trip for the program! We believe as a staff that giving life experiences to our student-athletes is one of the most important things we can try to provide," Jensen explains. "This trip should provide some of those experiences along with a few once-in-a-lifetime ones too."
The European tour is a chance for the players to broaden their horizons, both as athletes and individuals. Jensen hopes that each player will come away with lifelong memories, highlighting the significance of cultural exchange and personal growth. "This trip is about a lot more than just the hockey being played, and I hope each individual finds something special about the new countries they will be in," he adds.
Aligning with Program Goals
The European tour aligns seamlessly with the broader mission of the NAIT Ooks hockey program: developing players both on and off the ice. According to Jensen, fostering a "worldly experience" is a key aspect of the program's ethos, and the team is fortunate to have the support of sponsors and donors who made this trip possible. "It will be a truly unbelievable experience when the program gets to lace up their skates on the 29th," Jensen says.
As the Ooks prepare to travel and compete, the trip promises to be a celebration of their past, a testament to their present, and an inspiration for their future. Whether facing the U18 German National Team or taking in the sights and sounds of new countries, the NAIT Ooks women's hockey team is ready to make this anniversary tour a defining chapter in their program's history.