Pictured L-R: AAA Sharks defenceman, Ava Cole and goalie, Emma Backman. (Submitted photos/Ava Cole, Emma Backman)

By Martin Martinson

New opportunities ahead

Sharks standouts Cole, Backman reflect on post-secondary commitments

Jan 18, 2022 | 5:07 PM

A pair of Battlefords AAA Sharks have recently announced their post-secondary commitments for the fall of 2022.

Defenceman, Ava Cole has committed to the Lakeland Rustlers, while goaltender, Emma Backman is hometown-bound to play for the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Huskies.

Ava Cole commits, Lakeland Rustlers

Cole, who is from nearby Edam, said she is looking forward to the opportunity to continue her hockey career at the next level, while playing for a program at Lakeland that checks off a variety of boxes, including being located less than an hour and a half from home.

“I’m really excited to go there,” Cole said with an audible smile. “It felt like a great environment, and it’s close to home and to my family, and gives me a chance to continue playing hockey while studying what I want to go to school for.”

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Off the ice, Cole will be taking the pre-nursing program.

Ava Cole signs her commitment to the Lakeland Rustlers based out of Lloyminster, Alta. (Submitted photo/Ava Cole)

Head coach of the AAA Sharks, Ricci Girolami said Cole — who was named Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League second star for the month of December — has been a key piece to the team’s success this season, and should fit well with the Rustlers’ program.

“Ava’s just a natural team leader and someone who just gives everything in practices, is hard on herself and deserves to play at the next level,” Girolami said. “She’ll sacrifice her body blocking shots, and she does a little bit of everything for the team, so she’ll be a great addition for Lakeland.”

Cole, who prides herself as being a hard to play against stay-at-home defenceman, has also scored three goals and 10 points in 21 games this year as a 17-year-old blue liner.

Emma Backman commits, U of S Huskies

Between the pipes, Backman is also excited for the post-secondary opportunity ahead.

She said getting the chance to play for the U of S is something she’s been working towards for a few years now as a place she’s been familiar with for some time.

“I was really excited to commit to U of S, because I actually played spring hockey through their development program [growing up], so every spring and summer I was always around there, and it’s always kind of been a dream of mine to play there,” she said.

An athlete from a young age, Backman said hockey has always been number one for her on the sports hierarchy.

“I played softball in the summers, but only ever really took a month or two off from [the ice], as hockey was always on my mind,” she said. “My aunt actually played for Laurier University in Ontario, so growing up I always wanted to play University hockey and just worked towards it.”

In the classroom, Backman will be taking Kinesiology, as she hopes to one day become an athletic trainer.

Girolami said he’s excited to see the impact Backman can have at the next level.

“It’s always great when you can play in your hometown, and go to university at home, and Emma’s a great kid who deserves it,” he said. “Her work ethic in practice and games is 110 per cent all the time, so I’m happy the University of Saskatchewan picked her up. She’s a key player from our team.”

In 13 games this season, Backman has posted a 2.29 goals-against average and .930 save percentage.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1