From a young age, I’ve been fortunate to experience some incredible moments through hockey. I’ve had the opportunity to compete against elite players, to represent my country and to live experiences that many athletes dream of. Along the way, I’ve learned my true definition of the word “success.” 

The goaltender from Laval, Quebec had a solid month, going undefeated in eight starts. She was also a key contributor to the team's championship at the Tournoi International de Quebec U22 in Quebec City. Axelle and goaltending partner Joliane Tremblay have formed an excellent platoon that provides reliable and consistent goaltending for the Spartans. Axelle's precise movements, ability to read the play and mental fortitude resulted in many crucial wins for the Spartans in the various tournaments they attended this past month. Axelle looks to continue her strong play down the final stretch of the season. 

Zoé had an excellent month of January, with  strong play and timely goal scoring pacing the Spartans to strong weekends in Ottawa, at home and in Minnesota. The Sherbrooke, Quebec, product's speed and hockey IQ caused several problems for the opposition, which she and her linemates, Isabelle Michaud and Charlie Pampalon, were able to capitalize. Along with Maélie Pion and Pénélope Lavoie, the five have formed a dangerous powerplay unit where Zoé's ability to make intelligent plays at the goal line has significantly increased the number of scoring chances and goals for the team while on the man advantage.   

Last weekend when I started to write my speech, I sat in front of my computer, staring at the screen but totally had no idea. I even went to the Stanstead College website to read other prefect speeches, including some from 2020. But no matter how much I looked, I still didn’t know what to say. 

The Grand Falls, New Brunswick product continues to pace the Spartan attack. Zackarie skates with pace offensively, and he along with linemates Kamyl Chemrouk and Ryan Dwyer are one of the top offensive combinations in prep hockey. His high motor and lethal shot continue to provide headaches for opposing defenders and goaltenders and has led to another successful month. The Spartans will count on Zackarie's consistent offensive play as they enter a busy month of January filled with strong New England and TNPHL league opponents.

The forward from Ottawa, Ontario had an excellent month. Oliver brought timely scoring and grit to the Spartans lineup. As the team begins their New England Prep heavy schedule, Oliver's ability to coerce bigger and older players into taking penalties and then making them pay with the puck in the back of their net is a huge asset to the Stanstead attack. In CSSHL play, Oliver had four points in two November games, highlighted by a three-assist effort at the Pat Burns Arena and the overtime winner over Ontario Hockey Academy with friends and family in attendance. 

The varsity boys captain had a massive month in October, as he and his linemates, Ryan Dwyer and September Offensive Player of the Month Kamyl Chemrouk, continued to put the puck in the net. At the October CPSHA weekend hosted by the Rothesay Netherwood School, Zackarie had 6 points in 4 games, highlighted by a hat trick in a 5-2 win over the Ridley College Tigers. The second-year Spartan looks to continue his torrid start to his senior season as the Spartans look ahead to a busy month of November that features the TCF Bank International Invitational tournament in Minnesota and the Stanstead Showcase.

I love how CAIS 2024 started – 7:45 am Thursday morning, freezing cold, -1^o C, field a slick, white carpet of frost, and your Spartans are the first team out there warming up, the whole campus to ourselves. A neat boarding school scene I won’t soon forget.

Massey-Vanier is tough. Big and strong and skilled at every position, with some speed thrown in there as well. No weak spots, no letup, just a well-coached group of intelligent athletes pressuring you wherever you turn. No wonder they’re heavy favourites to win the 2024 ETIAC league banner.

Soccer can be the most frustrating sport on the planet. You can do everything right, make all the right passes, all the right plays, but still not score. Finishing is hard, kids. That’s why Messi makes a trillion dollars a year. Because finishing… is… hard.