Serene Porter, Ontario Six Nations member and second-year defender with the York Lions women’s ice hockey team, will compete as a member of Team Ontario South at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship in Miramichi, New Brunswick, April 17-23.
Right: Serene Porter of the York Lions women's hockey team
The National Aboriginal Hockey Championship was established by the Aboriginal Sport Circle in partnership with Hockey Canada. The championship, which is being held for the fourth time, will showcase the top under-21 Aboriginal hockey players from across Canada. Porter, who has been a standout on the blue line for the Lions the past two seasons, will represent Team Ontario South for the third time.
"Serene was an impact in every game we played this year," said York head coach Dan Church. "She came to the rink every day prepared to compete at the highest level. Serene pushed the level of our team this season and led by example throughout the year."
An assistant captain of the Lions, Porter played in all 22 regular season games this year, leading the team in plus-minus rating.
Left: Serene Porter fends off an opponent during York Lions game
"Serene has the unique ability to play with both finesse and power," added Church. "She is an intimidating presence in the corners and in front of the net, but she also skates very well and has great hands and a great shot."
Rhonda Mitchell, head coach of Team Ontario South, knows how important Porter’s experience and leadership will be for her team. "She makes a huge impact not only on the ice, but also within the community. That is why we decided to name her an assistant captain"
Team Ontario South plays their first game of the championship today, against British Columbia at 9am before playing against the Northwest Territories later in the day.
This article was submitted to YFile by Jim McLarty, sport & recreation information officer with York's School of Kinesiology & Health Science.