DIDSBURY – A local player will be suiting up for the Alberta Winter Games in female ice hockey after making one of the south teams.
Emily Biggin from Didsbury made the squad after an intense tryout with 124 players in Innisfail on Dec. 8-10.
"It was tough and fast," said Biggin of the tryout. "There were a lot of good girls there. There were two skill sessions and then two games."
Even with the tough competition, the left-winger was confident she would be selected. Despite the confidence, Biggin was still thrilled when she found out she made the team. She is looking forward to the strong competition at the winter games.
"I'm really excited," she said. "I want to learn more about myself as a player."
Biggin's coach for the Alberta Winter Games will be Chris Leeming, the head coach for the Olds College Broncos.
The Alberta Winter Games are scheduled for Feb. 16-19 in Fort McMurray. The winter games were first hosted in 1976 by Banff and are held each even-numbered year. The athletes are selected to represent different zones in Alberta in 20 sports such as hockey, badminton, gymnastics, skiing and skating.
Female hockey features six teams including three from the north and three from the south. Biggin said the teams don't practise or play before the games.
During the regular season, Biggin plays for the Olds Grizzlys Bantam Elite team of the Alberta Female Hockey League.
Several of her teammates also qualified for the games including Kallie Clouston and Eliana Seeley of Olds and Misty Rey of Bowden.
"This is my second year (with the Grizzlys)," she said. "Before that I played with the Didsbury Ramblers."
The Grizzlys had a strong finish to their season last year, coming fifth at the provincial championships. This year they are middle of the pack in their zone, said Biggin.
Biggin enjoys the social aspect of hockey but also enjoys the competition.
"It's a good chance to meet new people," she said.
Biggin's coach with the Grizzlys is Jason Clouston. Clouston told the Gazette she is a hard worker and a strong skater on the ice.
"She has a good shot as well," said Clouston. "Probably her best skill is she's very strong on the forecheck."
