Quinn McLaren '22 Recruiting Profile

Making the Pembina Valley U18 AAA Hawks at the age of 13 is something I am very proud of. This year should be my Rookie year, but it is my third year with the team.  My coaches named me an Assistant Captain and I consider this a great honour.  When I made the regional AAA team, I set a goal to play hockey at the University/College level. I want to further my skills, take my game to the next level, and continue to push myself to become a better hockey player and person. 

Last year I went through the Team Manitoba selection camp process.  This was a big learning experience for me.  Nutrition, preparation, and on-ice development were huge factors of the process, and in the end, I made the team as a minor and had the opportunity to travel to Swift Current, Saskatchewan to compete against Team Sask. I made friendships and was proud to wear the Team Manitoba Jersey. This year, I went through the same selection process and travelled to Swift Current again, and I was extremely honoured to be named team captain for my leadership in on and off-ice play.

The biggest obstacle I have faced with hockey is the lack of teams to play on in my region. I am the only female hockey player my age in my school, when I was younger it wasn't a big deal as I played with the boys, but as I got older it was a bit tougher. Fortunately, my parents have been willing and able to drive me to other regions so that I could play and I am thankful for that.

I have now had many different coaches, having played on a variety of spring hockey teams, taken part in provincial hockey teams, and various provincial programs, as well as played on a regional and high school softball team. I believe I can honestly say that my coaches would all tell you I am a very coachable kid, I am a team player that works hard, takes competition seriously, and is respectful of others. I am a gritty defenseman, with a hard shot, who can see the ice well.

I started skating when I was 3, my Dad coached me when I was younger, he taught me to respect my coaches because they want to see me succeed as much as I do, and that if I am not happy with how I am playing or being played that I am the only person that can change that. You have to listen to your coach’s advice and practice as hard as you play. I take pride in my work both on and off the ice. I put my best effort into everything I do, and because I work hard, I do well in school and other activities.

Looking into the near future, I plan to continue working hard to maintain and graduate at an honours with distinction level (4.0 avg).  I want to attend university, and study towards a degree in the medical field, and I hope to achieve these goals, while playing the sport I love at the next level.