The Barrie Jr. Sharks compete in their first-ever playoff tournament this weekend.
Just who are the Barrie Jr. Sharks?
The Sharks are a junior-level competitive program playing in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Comparatively, the team’s male counterpart is the Barrie Colts. So, if the Colts are so renowned in Barrie, why aren’t the Sharks?
While the Colts possess the necessary revenue and sponsors, the Sharks do not. Consequently, too few are aware of how talented these women are. Head coach Ed Mauro can attest to that fact.
“We have a tremendous group of girls here who deserve some recognition,” said Mauro.
The Jr. Sharks debuted in the 2011 season, seeing a need for an elite women’s program in the community. Further, its goal is to train players aiming to pursue hockey at the collegiate level and beyond. Sharks athletes are provided with adequate resources and fundamentals necessary to improve both on & off the ice!
Five senior athletes are graduating this season
Win, lose or draw, five senior athletes will depart the club once playoffs conclude. These young women embark on the next chapter of their lives. Ultimately, some will continue their athletic careers while others hang up their skates for good.
Standout goaltender Calli Hogarth, 17, is attending Merrimack College in Massachusetts this fall. Hogarth will continue her playing career while studying Health Sciences. Although her team this season is young, Hogarth likes their chances come playoffs.
“We’re riding some uphill momentum right now, so that’s good,” Hogarth shared.
Forward Macy Piche, 17, committed to Adrian College in Michigan for the 2022-23 season. Additionally, Piche begins her D1 hockey career in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).
Sierra Moreau, 18, plans to take her talents to an East Coast university. The defender from Tay, Ontario, hopes to leave her mark on the game before calling it quits.
Conversely, forward Carson Lean and defender Georgia Babcock reach the end of their playing careers.
Lean, 18, takes pride in the team’s recent accomplishments despite it being her final season. Notably, Lean shifts her focus to post-secondary education, where she’ll study psychology and biology.
“I think it’s cool to be part of the first Jr. Barrie Sharks team to make playoffs,” Lean explained.
Finally, long-time member Babcock, 17, admires the team’s growth during her final stint.
“I came here my second year of peewee,” Babcock divulged. “We’ve come a long way. I’m proud of all the girls for overcoming these challenges we’ve faced,” she continued.
Equally important, Babcock recognizes the significance of enjoying the moment.
“We need to be ready for the (playoff) competition. But most importantly, to have fun,” she reiterated.
The Jr. Sharks playoff schedule
This weekend’s 12-team playoff tournament runs from March 25-27. Henceforth, the road to the title for the Sharks begins against the Mississauga Jr. Hurricanes on Friday at 12:45 pm in Westwood Arena. Afterward, the Sharks tangle with the Nepean Jr. Wildcats at 5 pm.
Also, the Sharks and Colts uniquely share family ties this season. Defender Kali Foerster, 16, is the sister of returning Colts forward Tyson Foerster. The #71 sibling duo showcases a talented hockey family!
Be sure to cheer on your Barrie Jr. Sharks as they vie for hockey supremacy!
Visit the team’s Facebook page here for more info.
GOOO Sharks! Good luck in this weekend’s tournament play! It has been incredible to watch the development of these players. We have a phenomenal junior-level competitive program – one that I hope continues to grow and thrive.