Canada Games ‘awesome' experience for Shelburne County hockey players

Competing in the 2023

Canada Winter Games was the experience of a lifetime for Team Nova Scotia hockey players Jessica MacKinnon and Cohen Stoddard of Shelburne County.

“The Canada Games was one of the most fun times I have ever had playing hockey,” says Jessica MacKinnon, who was a forward on Team Nova Scotia's women's squad who brought home the silver medal.

“There were a ton of fans in the stands that enabled the games to have all the more energy. The team was amazing and we were all there ready to put the work in," she says.

"It truly felt like we were all part of a team that was ready to go. Our coach Kori (Cheverie) was amazing. She came up with systems that were unfamiliar to us and it helped us against other teams as well," MacKinnon says. "She studied the other teams' systems and gave us specifics on what to do and as a team, we decided to buy in, which led us to the success we had."

MacKinnon had two goals and two assists, including the game-winner in a shootout against Alberta on the opening day of the games. The team posted a 4-2 record. It was the first time a Nova Scotia team has medaled in women's hockey at the Canada Games.

After March Break, MacKinnon was heading back to Ontario for playoffs with her school team, Ridley College, and then training in the spring until she returns home in June for the summer.

On Friday evening, March 17, MacKinnon dropped the ceremonial puck prior to the Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners first playoff game at the Mariners Centre. She received a resounding welcome and congratulations for the recent Canada Games from the crowd.

'JUST AMAZING'

“It was awesome,” says Cohen Stoddard, who was between the pipes for Team Nova Scotia's men's squad, when asked about his Canada Games experience.

“Being around the best players in Nova Scotia, playing with them to show what your province is made of to all of the big provinces around Canada, it was just awesome.”

Stoddard played net in three of the team's six games, posting a shut-out in a 4-0 win over Newfoundland.

“We had a lot of fans, especially the game against Team Newfoundland. It was a packed barn. It was awesome seeing everybody out there cheering you on," says Stoddard. "It was just amazing."

Team Nova Scotia's male team finished the Games in 7th place. Stoddard's GAA (goals against average) for the games was 6.04 for a save percentage of 0.848 percent.

“I think I had a lot of good saves. I think the team really helped me out for the most part," he says. "It was so fun to showcase what you're made off against all the big provinces around Canada. It was just awesome.”

Stoddard, who was in net for the Major Midget South Shore Mustangs this season, is being scouted by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). “The Q draft is coming up for the top players in the Atlantic and Quebec region so I'm hoping to get drafted and go there next year,” says the 15-year-old player.

Stoddard played in the Monctonian prospects game in 2022 and as member of the U16 Nova Scotia team he competed in the QMJHL Cup in October 2022 against other teams in the Atlantic provinces, taking first place. “That was one of my favorite experiences,” says Stoddard.

“I would like to thank my family and friends and everyone that's helped me get to this point and my coaches," he says. "For the most part, they really helped me to become who I am. Now hopefully I can keep on going."