Oswald – who is looking to build upon her accomplishments from her third season – should have an easier time focusing on hockey this year , as her role in helping transition her younger sister , Sheridan , to the team for her rookie season is now old news . The younger of the two siblings spent her first year learning from her sister , and has now entered her second year with the program .
“ We were literally together 24 / 7 throughout the past school year ,” Courtlyn said . “ We live together and pretty much just do everything together ; we were actually in a few of the same classes before I got into my faculty . Our personalities are similar , but obviously when you ’ re dealing with your sibling you hold nothing back . So , we do clash heads at times , but other than that we get along pretty well .” Most siblings don ’ t have the chance to play university hockey together , or live
LAURYN KEEN
BISONS STAR AND FINNISH NATIONAL TEAM MEMBER , VENLA HOVI
together for that matter , but that is not the only accolade that the Oswald sisters share .
“ We actually got to play one year of Team Manitoba together during Courtlyn ’ s grade 12 season ,” said Sheridan , the younger of the two Oswalds . “ I think that being in my first year last season , she really helped me get in with the team and get to know the girls pretty well . Courtlyn has definitely been a really big influence on my first year and helping with getting my university career going .” Once again joining the Oswald sisters in the fold this season is Lauryn Keen – a dynamic forward , very familiar with both the Bison program and the Oswalds .
Keen , who grew up in Manitou , Manitoba had an explosive third year for the herd , racking up nine goals and 25 assists for 34 points – a league high . She also led the league with a + 22 +/ - rating . In picking up a point in each of her first three games already this season , she is on the right track to build off of last year ’ s incredible effort .
“ Lauryn just had one of those years that players have once in a blue moon ,” said Head Coach Jon Rempel . “ There wasn ’ t much more for her to do in a year individually . She was the Canada West MVP , the Canada West leading scorer and the Bisons ’ Female Athlete of the Year . Lauryn had some great chemistry while playing with a couple of really good players this past year .”
One of those players is the aforementioned 29-yearold Venla Hovi – a two time Finnish Olympian and bronze medalist . Hovi ’ s 12 years of international hockey experience easily trumps the accomplishments of her teammates , but according to linemate Keen , Hovi ’ s humility and lack of arrogance is what really makes her an asset to the team .
“ She doesn ’ t put herself above anyone else ,” Keen said . “ Even though she has way more experience and is older than all of us , she acts like she ’ s one of us and is always positive with her feedback . It ’ s super nice having her on the team , and we work really well on our line together .”
Hovi , who plays the game out of “ sheer appreciation and enjoyment ”, is very excited about the 2017-18 season , and the 2018 Olympics .
“ I bring myself just as I am ,” she said . “ I try to be a good example as an athlete , showing quality and consistency in training , but also in my experience . I appreciate hockey more and more every year , whether it ’ s in Manitoba or Finland .”
Adding to an already potent lineup is something that coach Rempel specializes in . The 2017-18 recruiting class will add size and depth to a roster hungry for another deep playoff run .
Five recruits and one transfer player , including three young women from the Winnipeg Avros – goaltender Lauren Taraschuk , forward Emilie Masse and defenseman Brielle Dacquay-Neveux – highlight the incoming flock of talent for the 2017-18 season . Also joining those recruits from out of the city will be forwards Madison Cole ( Lloydminster , AB ) and Natasha Kostenko ( Fannystelle , MB ), defenceman Lauren Warkentin ( Steinbach , MB ) and goaltender Devan Johnson ( Stonewall , MB ).
“ Coach Jon definitely brought in another great group of recruits this past year ,” said Courtlyn Oswald . “ The season is here , and we are all ready to go .”
Get ready Manitoba , it ’ s very tough to stop a raging herd of Bisons . ❍
136 | GAME ON | NOVEMBER 2017