The Atlantic All-Stars blanked the Ontario All-Stars 3-0 to win the Women's National Championship Hockey title at the Andy Anderson Arena at CFB Borden, March 29.

Trainer Sgt Dean Kerr tends to an Ontario player. Photo credit: CPL H.P. VANAYAN

Captain Ilse van Oostrum, the tournament MVP, said the Atlantic All-Star team was selected following a regional try-out camp. From there, they played at tournaments in both Halifax and Prince Edward Island. She says it was a good opportunity for the team to gel.

"Since the team included players from three different bases, it was a good chance for everyone to get to know each other... I think it was instrumental in our win at the nationals," she said.

As for taking the MVP trophy, Capt van Oostrum says she was fortunate to play with some very strong players. "You can't be the MVP without the support of all of your teammates," she said. "And that's very much what it was."

She also credits this sense of teamwork with their championship win. "We may not have been the most skilled player-for-player team there, but we had teamwork and work ethic."

The Ontario region faces off against the Atlantic region, during the Women's National Hockey Championships. Photo credit: CPL H.P. VANAYAN

They also had a motivational CD, featuring songs chosen by each player, to spur them on. "We would play that in the dressing room before the game," she explained. "So everyone would get to hear their song to motivate them."

Ultimately, she says women's hockey continues to grow in the CF. It has only recently been played at the national level. "We are seeing a lot of young people coming in and the calibre keeps getting better," she said.

And, she adds, there are veteran players, who have given much to the sport. One such player, Capt Charlene Arsenault, the Atlantic region team captain, was honoured with the Dedication to CF Sports Award. She has been involved with women's hockey in the CF since its inception.

The top women's hockey teams representing Canada's five main regions- Pacific (All-Stars), Prairie (All-Stars), Ontario (All-Stars), Quebec (CFB Valcartier) and Atlantic (All-Stars)-were at CFB Borden, March 25-29. For complete results and information on the Women's Hockey 2003 All-stars, visit: www.cfpsa-borden.ca/.

Ms.Davis is the CFPSA Media Relations Co-ordinator.