Sarah Lefort has started her last year on the National Women’s Development Hockey team on her best foot. Named captain of the under 22 team, the hockey player from Ormstown has taken steps this summer to enhance her value.
The 21 year old forward already has an impressive record. After winning a gold medal last year in January at the Nations Cup in Germany, Lefort then called the shots with the Terriers at the University of Boston. Her 50 points in 37 games won her second place behind Marie-Philip Poulin among the point makers on her team.
However, for her last eligible year before trying out for the National Senior Team, Sarah Lefort changed her summer plans. “Ever since going to university, I have stayed in Boston for summer training. But since this is my last year with U-22, I came to Montréal where I have focused on my training on and off the ice.”
In the city, she laced up her skates along side Caroline Ouellette, veteran member of Team Canada and captain of the gold medal team at the Olympic Games in Sotchi. “She congratulated me on my effort and told me to continue on this path. It’s encouraging and motivating to hear these words from her”, indicated Lefort.
She demonstrated this motivation during national hockey camp. Her playing and her personality led to her being chosen captain by her coaches and fellow team members. “It’s really an honour. I am more the type of person to show my leadership on the ice. I have always given 100% of myself during training and games even when I’m tired. I’m ready to help my teammates”, she states.
Aside from Ouellette, she takes inspiration from Marie-Philip Poulin to effectively accomplish her work. Her fellow team member with the Terriers remains as much an inspiration in hockey as in daily life.
Dominating the game
On Wednesday, the Canadians lost 4-1 in the first of three games against the American team in Lake Placid. Canada did however score the first goal of the game. “We confronted a team that is always going to give us a good game. It’s up to us to impose our style of play using our speed to keep up lots of pressure.”
Lefort said she was ready to give her all in the next two games in this series, last Friday and Saturday. The games are part of the preparations to defend the gold medal game this winter which will be played once again in Germany.
Lefort is also expected back for her fourth and last year with the Terriers. The post Marie-Philip Poulin era is starting for the team that was outstanding last year, particularly during the series. But Lefort is ready to take on more responsibilities.
“The objectives remain high. During my second year, Poulin was absent because she was playing with the Olympic team. The pressure will perhaps be higher this time, but it’s less of a concern”, she says.
Translated by Cathleen Johnston
