Cheers erupted Saturday evening when Sylvan Lake’s Scotiabank Bantam Female Lakers got their moment of TV glory.
Prior to the start of Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast of the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche game, the team was introduced to viewers across the country in a CBC segment recorded at a Lakers practice about two weeks ago. The girls watched themselves at their sponsor Scotiabank’s Port O’ Call branch where they had a pizza party.
The team got the honour after being entered into a draw by their sponsor.
When their name was picked they became one of only 25 teams this season to be chosen for the Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids feature that aired during the pre-game show for Saturday’s game.
During the show, viewers got a glimpse of the girls in their dressing room ready to hit the ice and showing their spirit with a stick-banging celebration. In another short spot, the girls were seen on the ice warming up.
While they didn’t get Sidney Crosby-like face time on TV, the girls said they were excited to be part of the program.
Right winger Emma Libby said word spread quickly once the team found out they had been chosen.
Performing for the camera took a little getting used to, said Libby.
“It was kind of intimidating.” Besides the dressing room footage, the crew also shot the team going through its stretches and other warm-ups before one of their Monday practices.
“It was really fun,” said Nicole Johnson, a defenceman. Her friends were pretty enthusiastic about the segment as well. “They were saying how cool it was that we were going to be on TV.
“Definitely I think it will be great for Sylvan Lake hockey.”
Forward Riley Scott said she watches Hockey Night in Canada with her grandfather. He was tuned in to watch her on Saturday, she said.
Lakers head coach Craig Langford said the TV shot has been a big deal for the team.
“Since they first announced it they’ve been pretty pumped,” he said.
Highlighting the Lakers, one of only three female teams in Sylvan Lake, can only help the program, which he would like to see expanded to include more teams.
“I think it will be good for it. The more exposure the better.”
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com
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