Rachel Teslak will be representing Team BC at the Canada Winter Games for the U18 female hockey team.
“I’m very excited and very honoured to be able to take part in the Canada Winter Games,” said the Cranbrook native.
To suit up for her home province, Teslak said will be a privilege.
“Definitely something I would never take for granted. I’m just excited to enjoy every minute of it,” she said.
From Dec. 20-23 she was in Penticton, B.C. for Team BC’s camp, which was to finalize the roster.
“It went well,” she said about the camp. “It was really nerve-wracking and stressful, but it went well.”
While at the camp she said they focused on fitness testing, team building and had multiple exhibition games.
“My favourite part was the games of course, because of competing and having fun,” she said.
There were 26 players who made the shortlist for Team BC, and only 20 were named to the roster.
Teslak said her determination, dedication and hard work made her standout in the camp and are aspects she wants to bring to the team.
“My hard-work ethic and willingness to learn,” she added.
Currently, Teslak is playing for the Ontario Hockey Academy Tardiff team, and has committed to play at NCAA Division 1 St. Lawrence University.
To get ready for the Winter Games, she says she is going to keep training hard at school.
“I just have to keep training and keep playing to try and get better as much as I can until the games start,” she said.
The goal she explains is to keep her skills up to pace until the winter games and to improve in any areas she can.
Forward Reece Hunt, from Nelson, also made the team, and Teslak noted they have played together before so they have some chemistry.
Team BC will kick off their tournament on Feb. 25 against Alberta then facing Ontario and Nova Scotia in the preliminary play prior to the quarterfinals on Feb. 28.
“I’m feeling good, and super excited to be able to take part in such a big event,” said Teslak.
The Canada Winter Games will be held Feb. 15 to March 3 in Red Deer.