Yanina Kharytanovich '23 Recruiting Profile

Dear Coaches,

Playing college hockey has been a goal of mine for a long time, a goal that I intend to reach. This interest was first sparked when I had the honour to be invited as a U14 goalie to a Junior ID Camp led and supervised by NCAA and U Sports coaches. During this camp, I learned about college hockey and the many great possibilities and choices that come with it. The girls' work ethic, motivation, leadership, and drive inspired me a lot. I have firmly decided that hockey is something I want to do while pursuing my college degree.

Over the years, playing on the top-tier male hockey teams has helped me learn how to balance both my academics and my hockey schedule. Team practices, games, travel, workouts, and goalie sessions — these hockey activities have taught me to manage my time for school work.

What distinguishes me the most is my willingness to learn and my determination. Coaches tend to say that I am a very respectful player, a fast learner, and a very easy person to coach. I wholeheartedly believe that being good at hockey is only 10% of talent, and the rest is hard work and good ethics. Only by raising my bar higher every time I was able to play on AA and AAA male teams, where the stakes are high. I know that I cannot afford to be good enough. I have to be the best. I have to prove myself constantly, push my limits all the time, and always be on top of my game. This competitiveness has not only shaped my game style but my actual personality. I have become more determined, not only on the ice but off-ice and in the classroom. I've conditioned myself to push harder every time and to do more work than the others.

My traits have led me to numerous athletic and academic awards and distinctions. My work ethic has allowed me to skip a grade, and consistently achieve placement on Honour Roll 1 in the most competitive school in Manitoba. In 2018 I was very fortunate to attend the Bermuda World School Debate tournament and place 3rd overall. I hope to bring these traits with me to college and put more of these accomplishments under my belt.

I was lucky to play on many high-profile teams, and attend many tournaments, including a very reputable NAHC AAA Boys Spring Tournament. Being the only female player at the tournament, I led it in wins and had the second-lowest GAA. I had the privilege to be selected for the Female Team Manitoba POE Top-100 Camp. Also, I have attended tournaments such as the Winnipeg Male High School Rookie Classic, NAHC Female Super Elite, and a RINK ID Camp.

There's this one quote by Hayley Wickenheiser that I always remember. It was a stencil in one of my team's dressing rooms: "People would say, 'Girls don't play hockey. Girls don't skate.' I would say 'Watch this!'"