By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
Building team chemistry has been paramount over the two years that Team Manitoba’s female box lacrosse team has been training together. Like many other Canada Games cohorts, this team is made up of a collection of players from different teams.
Though they’ve played less than 10 games together leading up to Canada’s largest multi-sport event, they know they’re one to beat. Goalie Kaylee Perry has her sights set on winning gold – an ambitious aspiration many of her teammates share.
In the opening game on Sunday, August 7, Team Manitoba recorded a 5-2 victory over Saskatchewan. Grinning from cheek to cheek Perry’s pride for the team and their moment was undeniable.
“I know that first period, we came out and had a bit of nerves, and then second period we shook it off and we put a couple in the net and that pushed us forward, and kept that momentum throughout the game, and were able to pull out the win.”
Having faced Team Saskatchewan a number of times recently, Abby Pott felt it was a highly-anticipated matchup, and it felt nice to even the score at this historic event.
“We had a lot of energy! It’s a really special thing, this has never been done before at this scale, and it’s an honour to be a part of it.”
Head coach Kim Winzoski didn’t expect her coaching career to bring her to Canada Games, yet here she is, and she’s sharing the experience with her daughter Caitlyn.
“It’s amazing to be able to bring my daughter here and watch it through her eyes as well as through my own. I didn’t think at my age I’d be coming to Canada Games. I’m just as proud to be here as I am of my daughter for making the team.”
