Latest / Rinkside Rundown / Sara Stewart on Community, Leadership and Inspiring the Next Generation of East Coast Hockey Players
Transcript
- speaker-0: I think it's just so important that now younger girls have so many role models that are more on the women's side rather than just having to look up to like siblings or NHL stars is is really important. speaker-1: Hello and welcome back to Rinkside Rundown, the podcast that brings you inside the world of women's hockey, one story at a time. I'm your host, Kristen Clare, and today I'm joined by Sarah Stewart, a forward from Nova Scotia, co captain at Colgate University, and someone who has steadily built one of the most impressive resumes in all of the ECAC. Sarah, welcome to the show. How are you doing? speaker-0: Good, how are you? speaker-1: I am fantastic. Thank you. Even better now that we're finally chatting. I want to dive in because we have so much to talk about. Do you remember when hockey started to feel like something that you wanted to pursue, that you fell in love with? Do you remember what it was and when that was? speaker-0: I feel like growing up, ⁓ when I realized I really wanted to pursue hockey, I was a bunch of the little different moments throughout. So little things like I'd come home from school and automatically be so excited to like go outside, play some street hockey with my brothers, my neighbors across the neighborhood. We'd have ⁓ a snow day home from school, but the local rink that's like a five minute walk from my house would stay open. So we'd make the trek down and just play hockey all day on the ice, like some little pick up games because all the practices would be canceled. So just whoever could make it there was welcome to do as they wish with the game. ⁓ I feel like those little experiences, my family was so drawn into the sport and I kinda just wanted to follow in those footsteps. And I knew from a very young age it was definitely something that was gonna stick with me for a while. speaker-1: Isn't it cool that you act that you fell in love with it because it's something that like friends and family like it was just it was fun. I feel like that makes a lot of difference. Do you feel like it made all the difference for you, the fact that again there was no pressure or anything like that? You just got to enjoy it. You got to have fun with your especially on snow days, like that. What a way to spend a snow day too, right? speaker-0: Yeah, for sure. I feel like just the fact that like every time I was involved in the sport was a joyful experience and connected me to like the people in my community, my family, my friends. ⁓ just made it that much better to have a sport that not only you love to do, but the people around you love so much too, and it can draw everyone together. speaker-1: So you've mentioned ⁓ the community and I wanna talk about that for a moment because I think obviously, you know, ⁓ in as with any sport of of course, ⁓ with hockey in this particular s scenario, ⁓ you know, the community is certainly a big help to get you to where you are now. Of course, family, the community. Could you talk about what it was like to grow up a little bit more, what it was like to grow up in in Nova Scotia ⁓ s Nova Scotia on the East Coast? ⁓ give us some insight as to what that was like for you. speaker-0: Yeah, I feel like growing up in Nova Scotia, such a small town rural community, being from Aniganesh, like hockey was just so embedded in our community. and the people around you in the community were always just rooting for you. You always had your community behind you and every step that you were trying to make. and I feel like that made such a big difference coming from a small community where everyone was connected, everyone had your back, everyone wanted what was best for you and was gonna help you in any way they could, just really helped progress me throughout the years. speaker-1: Yeah, I'm also from a small town. So I can definitely speak to how much of an impact I don't think I would be who I am today if it weren't for the fact that I was raised in a small town, that's for sure. ⁓ so when we talk about your early career on the ice, tons of success with ⁓ in particular with the Northern Subway selects, ⁓ both you individually as well as of course as a team. When you think back at that time. What do you think what what are some of those moments that stand out to you? What are some of those maybe defining moments, whether it was for you as a as an individual or as a team as well? speaker-0: think the biggest thing for me switching to play for the selects was it was my first time entering playing female hockey. ⁓ growing up in a small town, I just always had opportunities to play male hockey until that point. And I think as soon as I got to the selects, I automatically felt a sense of community and like I found like a new home and all the coaches there, but also all the players and all the girls I was playing with. So it automatically just made me feel at home. And as I continued playing through there, I feel like it made me gain a lot of confidence being so close with those around me. I feel like for sure some standout moments would be like going to SO Cup and whatnot. It it was just so exciting. ⁓ definitely wish we would have made it the other year that COVID ended the season too, but I felt like we had a good shot at a that year. But I mean I wouldn't change a thing still. Like obviously those outside circumstances weren't ideal. But even that season, like looking back, other than continuing to play, there isn't anything I'd change about my my time with the selects. I feel like it was a huge moment for me in just gaining confidence and gaining offensive ability because I feel like when I grew up in the male game, I was always like kind of afraid to make that jump towards being an offensive minded player. And found like more steadiness in playing a defensive role. But I feel like when I switched to playing the selects, I was put in positions that allowed me to thrive offensively as well. ⁓ and I think that just really helped grow me as a player and helped prepare me for the collegiate level. speaker-1: You have mentioned about confidence. And I think with confidence it shows not only of course ⁓ based off of the your stat line, but also the fact that you also worked your way through the leadership group. You started off as an assistant, of course, or you worked your way into an assistant alternate captain role and then into captaincy in your final season. What did being a leader, especially early on, especially early on in your journey? What did that teach you about yourself both on and off the ice? speaker-0: Yeah, I feel like being on the in the leadership group with the selects, ⁓ it definitely prepped me for jumping into a leadership role at the next level. I think I'm someone who always tries to lead by example, ⁓ set an example with my work ethic and just my habits. But being put into that leadership role kind of forced me into position that made me kind of find my voice in the locker room too, which Sometimes I could be pretty shy starting out, but I think that being put in positions to have to get out of your comfort zone sometimes and, you know, navigate the the relationships of some of the people on your team being your best friends and like having that best friend relationship with you. But at the same time, you need to like have the team's best interests in mind and need to navigate certain situations where People might be looking to you as more of a leader than a best friend. So I think having an experience like that early on helped me to navigate how to balance both roles and being someone that people could come to and feel comfortable with as a friend, but also as a leader and knowing that my intentions for them are always gonna be positive ⁓ no matter what. speaker-1: Something I've I've been I've found and and many people are finding really fascinating is the incredible talent on the East Coast, coming out of the East Coast. Fortunately enough, I've had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie Bork most recently, but also Abby Hustler ⁓ a few months ago as well, ⁓ ahead of last year's draft. Do you feel that sense of pride being from the East Coast and and how does it feel also to have To see so much talent coming out of there and for it to finally be recognized as well. speaker-0: Yeah, I definitely feel a huge sense of pride being from the East Coast. I mean, I feel like there's so many talented players that just it took a while for people to get their looks on the East Coast. And being a part of that and like that group of hardworking players who really put the work in to be able to be recognized and be able to find roles at the next level is something to like be super proud of of where you came from and Different struggles you might have had of just like the opportunity to be seen, recruiting, like finding the right fit, ⁓ of where to play, like navigating if you want to move away from home at a young age, if that's gonna open up more opportunities, or if you wanna just continue to play locally and like if you think that's gonna work for you. I think those are common themes that a lot of players face from the East Coast, but the way that people have been able to do both and still get recognized and been able to get into great situations. I think about even I think I'm the first East Coast, ⁓ like Nova Scotian player from Colgate ⁓ on the team. So I think about that and like how another Maritimer came in to the program this year. She's a freshman and they keep continuing to recruit on the East Coast now. And I feel like a huge sense of pride with that. And then pulling in more Maritimers in that I feel like I could make a good impression for them to want to keep looking out there and knowing that there is talent on the East Coast, even if it might be a little bit harder to find. speaker-1: Now let's talk. ⁓ I'm so glad that you you mentioned Colgate there because obviously that's where you've spent your collegiate career. And I want to hear from you as well. When you were going through the recruitment process, what made you feel like, you know, that that Colgate was going to be that right step for you that was going to be great for your development, great for ⁓ becoming, of course, the player you wanted to be, but of course also the person that you wanted to be as well. speaker-0: Yeah. ⁓ Colgate just automatically stuck out to me like from the beginning of recruitment of a place that just gave that small town community vibe that I got at home. Similar feeling. ⁓ just felt like it was really gonna be a place that was a second home where people cared about me as a player, but also as a person. Like you'd jump on recruiting calls with the coaches and they'd bring off a little tiny detail you mentioned like two weeks prior. ⁓ and it was like, ⁓ like they're remembering these things, like they care about what's going on in my life. They just they don't just care about my stat line. And people think that I'm crazy sometimes because I committed to Colgate without ever stepping foot on campus. My first time stepping foot on campus here was move in day, my freshman year, because it was through COVID and everything. So ⁓ ⁓ I just like the coaches did everything they could to connect me with players, give me virtual tours, and through everyone I talked to, there wasn't anyone who it felt like they were just putting on a show. Everyone who was talking, it felt like they were authentically telling me that they love this place and this place can so easily become a second home. ⁓ so I think it's really it's really the people who made Colgate such a special p place and made me wanna Commit here. speaker-1: Wow, I always I don't know why, maybe just because I'm trying to block it out, but I always forget about COVID and how it would have impacted, especially the recruitment process, especially when it is so important to be able to actually step foot on a campus and get that vibe. So it's always great to hear that how much of a priority the different programs put on making it feel as much like you were there as possible. when when you think too about that. career at Colgate, being able to, you know, ⁓ balance a biology degree with high-level hockey. What did being able to do those things? What did being able to be successful in both your academics and on the ice as well? What did that maybe teach you about yourself? And what did you learn about yourself through that? process of being able to really and ⁓ ultimately be able to find that balance. speaker-0: Yeah, I feel like finding a balance here ⁓ is made a lot easier through it being such a small town feeling. Like every relationship you make is personal. So especially in the biology department, professors are so understanding of like travel schedules and whatnot because they're some of your biggest fans and games, like home games, they're always coming out cheering us on. I feel like being able to go to them and them see you as a student who puts in so much work towards their courses as coming to office hours to get to know you better, but then also seeing them in the stands at your games. ⁓ and the same with our coaches, like being able to talk to coaches and them care so much about the academic experience that you're having here too. And I'm fortunate that our coaches have loved having students who thrive in both academic and athletic settings because that was also something super important to me coming to college. And just being able to have professors who support you through hockey, coaches who support you through your academics really made everything feel more intertwined and made the balance feel just more natural. speaker-1: What a difference that would be to have your your professors be some of your biggest fans. That's something I never even thought of. What was that like too? speaker-0: It's amazing. You like walk into class after a big win and they're like, congrats on the win this weekend. Like, that was a sweet play you made here. Like, it's so awesome. And just knowing that they support you and care about you and your extracurriculars when you're a student in like these small classes with them really makes a huge difference. And we were even able to intertwine doing some research on our team through the biology department. just because we've made such good connections with professors up the hill. speaker-1: So fascinating. I love that. as earlier in your career, working your way into a leadership role, that's exactly what you did once again here at Colgate. What did maybe what were some of the differences in leadership styles in your maybe in your understanding of what a leader is? How has that changed maybe since your junior career? To now a as you finish off your collegiate career. speaker-0: Yeah, I feel like you just realize when you get to college and like as you're getting older, how much more multifaceted leadership is than you originally think it to be. I mean, like, like I said, I love to lead by example and do everything I can in that realm, but I feel like college really allowed me to explore how to lead in other ways. And open doors to like, ⁓ I never thought like a leadership role would entail this. And now I'm navigating this. And this is a really cool life experience to learn how to manage things like this. ⁓ and I feel like as you get older, you like I've gained more trust in myself for those big decisions. And then I feel like naturally I've been a leader just through the way that I d I play the game like I carry myself. But then when you get to the collegiate level and you have your teammates voting for you to be a leader, you have your coaches selecting you, it's like, ⁓ they feel that too. And I know they have my back and the things that I'm doing. and they feel that I should be in this role. And that kind of gives you a new level of confidence to just to just be yourself, honestly, but just be able to thrive more in your role. speaker-1: Absolutely. Yeah. It's one thing if it's ⁓ outside telling you, yeah, you're good, but it's another thing entirely when it's your peers, your coaches who are ⁓ maybe instilling that confidence. I'm sure that you already had innately in you, but it helps. It certainly helps when you have some of that validation as well. When you think about your your entire time at Colgate, I know it's it's still very fresh. But when you think about that, if you know, when you first stepped onto campus finally, ⁓ to now, where are some of the things that you're or what are some of the ⁓ things rather you're most proud of? ⁓ maybe it's something that you accomplished on the ice, maybe it's the relationships that you built in the classroom as well as with the team. Maybe it's the community, maybe it's all of the above. Maybe I just answered it for you. What are some of those things that you're most proud of as you Think about your career at Colgate. speaker-0: Yeah, I feel like I could honestly touch on all the things that you just listed there and say like it's so hard to choose one. ⁓ like my career here at Colgate has been everything that I could have asked for and like more than I could have asked for. I feel like obviously some standouts would be the two ECAC championships, the f our frozen four appearance. ⁓ those things are just huge and as an underclassman to have and gain those experiences was just unbelievable. so being able to look back at those as well as looking forward to your experiences that you had as a upperclassman as well. Drawing from like soaking everything in when you're an underclassman, playing in those huge games, those frozen four moments like proving that a small school can compete nationally to being an upperclassman and thinking about, ⁓ like now I'm so proud of myself as an individual because I've been able to be adaptable to what the team needs at different times. And like playing as an underclassman, having a bit different of a role, ⁓ to even as an upperclassman, being able to play up and down the lineup, being able to play in a defensive shutdown role, but also being able to thrive with other people who are stars and play up in the lineup, being able to play PK and power play, like just being able to really learn from your experience as an underclassman and then thrive once you get put into the roles that allow you to kind of take off even more. And then beyond that, talking about community, I feel like I'm so proud to be leaving Colgate after participating as a team in so many different programs that have really allowed us to outreach like our Rising Raiders programs, working closely with little girls to give them role models, especially when you see the game growing so much. ⁓ we work with like a group of neurodiverse ⁓ individuals at a community nearby. and do like inclusive learned escapes with them. And it's just been so impactful to see that hockey can reach so many different communities. And I think Colgate really gives you that ability to to open your eyes to that and just connect with so many people around you. speaker-1: Yeah, sometimes it's you don't realize that, you know, you think it's just a sport, but it is so much more than just a sport. And I think you you described some really good examples there. And that it it makes me think or makes me wonder rather, who were some of those people you talked about, you know, potentially being that role model or alluded to being potentially a a role model for that for the community or within the community. Who were some of those role models and influences for you growing up? Maybe you know, even into your collegiate career, but who were some of those people, especially that now that you're looking ⁓ looking forward, who were some of those people who may have helped you to get you to where you are now? speaker-0: Yeah, I feel like from a really young age, ⁓ my biggest role models were mostly male. Like my older brother, I wanted to be just like him. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I wanted to be able to be that female example for even like my younger brother to look up to, even though I'm a female player. Like I thought, well, like, hey, I learned from my older brother, like maybe he can learn from me too, just as motivation. And then as I continued to get older, I say, exposure to girls who are thriving at the next level within Nova Scotia. ⁓ Blair Turnbull stands out as a huge one for me. ⁓ she grew up nearby me and her dad was actually one of my assistant coaches when I played for the Selects. So I feel like being able to watch her thrive and be such a huge movement of the women's hockey game. ⁓ seeing her partake in that and just want other girls to be able to look towards me like that in a way of whether it's younger girls from my community who wanted to play NCAA and saw that someone could stick around and play locally and make it there, I think is just so important that now younger girls have so many role models that are more on the women's side rather than just having to look up to like siblings or NHL stars is is really important. speaker-1: Yeah, and I'm I'm I'm glad that you touched on that because as you were sharing that, it made me start to think about what a difference it could have been for you, of course, but for that next generation, because they say it, I know it's it's a bit cliche, but they say, you know, if you can see it, you can be it. Could you maybe expand on that a little bit more as someone who has seen like firsthand has seen the growth of women's hockey? I'm I'm confident back home for sure. We saw great turnouts, any you know, in the Halifax games, ⁓ the takeover tour game in Halifax, which is ⁓ fantastic to see out on ⁓ obviously on the East Coast. What is it what do you think that's gonna do to inspire the next generation? And do you feel any ⁓ responsibility, any ⁓ any sort of pressure in knowing that, especially being from the East Coast, that there might be those Those young girls who are also looking at you with that added context saying, Hey, she made it, she's from where I'm from, and look at her now. speaker-0: Yeah, I feel like I wouldn't necessarily say it feels like a pressure that's weighing down on me, but I feel like I definitely use it as a motivation, as like a lot of people think like when you come from such a small town, there's not many people who are making it to the next level out of where you're from, that it might not necessarily be possible for them or they might not even think that that's a route they could go. So I think being able to feel, motivated towards my goals, like knowing that my community at home supports me in those goals and is watching me ⁓ work hard towards them is something that's so important. And I feel like I've seen that firsthand and like people motivating me through being at Colgate, like watching my teammates as the league is going on and making huge strides towards like I was at the MSG game the other weekend and it was just insane. Like I was like, this atmosphere, like I can't even imagine the possibility of playing in this atmosphere next year. Like it's so unreal the strides that women's hockey has taken and the support that communities all around have. It it's just it's honestly so cool to see. speaker-1: Let's talk about what's coming next for you because I know you're dying to ⁓ probably talk about it, but certainly to skip maybe fast forward right to the end of that that draft night. ⁓ what are you feeling as you're as you're thinking about taking this next step? How what are you feeling? How are you approaching it? speaker-0: Yeah, I feel like the feeling of just uncertainty is crazy. Like knowing that, yeah, you could be there, but it might be close. ⁓ knowing like I feel motivated, I feel confident that I I can do everything I can to make the steps to that level. ⁓ but also it comes with so many nerves and so many things that are just out of your control. So Trying to navigate the whole mental side of that has been interesting. I feel like I've just been kind of staying on a do what you can, go with the flow mentality because really at the end of the day, all you can do is continue to train your hardest, put put the work in behind the scenes, like show your process and then when you get your your chance, ⁓ to just do everything you can to show them like you've worked to be here. ⁓ I feel like it's it's definitely nerve-wracking, but it's such an exciting possibility too. speaker-1: Yeah, and I mean, ⁓ maybe this is a little bit difficult to to answer right now, but w like how how at the you know, when you're looking at that next step, taking finally taking that next step, what do you think it will mean to hear your name called and to ultimately join what is undeniably an exciting league? What do you think that's gonna mean to you? speaker-0: I mean, it would be a dream. I'm really hoping to hear my name called. ⁓ it would mean so much to me. I feel like it would just immediately make me think of all the people that helped me get to this point and all the work that goes on behind the scenes to get the women's game to this point, to that has me feeling like this is such an exciting possibility because I can't even imagine sitting here right now thinking about I how I could be drafted to this amazing league that's been built just a few years ago. so I just think it's an incredible opportunity. Obviously hope it happens for me, but it's such an exciting opportunity for just everyone across the NCAA, across youth sports to have this next step to look towards that hasn't previously been steady for players and used to have a ton of uncertainty. Like having this concrete path that like this can be next for me. Like I have something to continue working so hard for is so exciting. speaker-1: We are going to now move into the final buzzer segment of the show, the final segment of today's episode. ⁓ just a fun way to wrap up the conversation, a few rapid fire questions for you. We're gonna start with what is your go-to pre-game meal? speaker-0: say I love a good road game meal, so that's usually chicken, pasta, some veggies on the side. That's my that's my favorite. speaker-1: I've I don't think I've ever asked this question and I don't know why, but do you ever get bored? Because I feel like chicken and pasta is like the quintessential game day go-to meal. Do you ever get bored with that? Or do you kind of try to maybe throw in some, I don't know, some pesto or some different kinds of sauce or something like that? speaker-0: Yeah, I'm not a super adventurous either. ⁓ I'm I I'm pretty plain, so I don't usually get sick of the things I really enjoy, but I feel like our team definitely tries to switch up the menu a bit, whether it's ⁓ just changing around the sauce, around the the protein selection, keep people having some options because some people do definitely enjoy options. speaker-1: Yeah. I feel like I would be very much the same. I'd be like, you know what, this has worked for me this far. I'm I'm good. I'm not gonna try Exactly, exactly. ⁓ what is on your game day playlist? speaker-0: Yeah. If it ain't broke, don't flex it. ⁓ this is a hot take among my teammates too, but I love listening to Tate McCrae on game days. ⁓ yeah, I like some like Zara Larson in the mix too. I love the song Supercut by Lord. I usually play that when I walk into the rink or on the bus. ⁓ those are definitely some go to's. Not a big rap girl. speaker-1: Good good still good choices though. Good choices. ⁓ what's something that people may be surprised to learn about you? speaker-0: I think the funniest fact I bring up when people are like, Really? Is true East Coast fashion. One summer I spent it working at a lobster plant, ⁓ on a wharf. So it was a lot of ⁓ long days sorting through lobster crates, moving around heavy crates, but true East Coast fashion I feel like I always have to bring it up. speaker-1: Okay, so I have to ask how much on a scale of one to ten, how much did you actually enjoy doing that? speaker-0: I'm gonna say right around a five. Like there was some tough days where I was like, wow, it's gonna be hard to wake up for this. ⁓ but also it was cool being by the water, getting to work with people from my high school and stuff like that. speaker-1: Yeah, of course. Yeah. It's it's it's a perfect balance, which is why it lands right in the middle. So that's totally fine. ⁓ if you could go back and give your younger self some advice about the journey ahead, about the path ahead to this moment right now, as you're preparing for a professional career, what do you think you tell her? speaker-0: Think I would just tell her not to stress out about what's next and try and stay present because the next few years are gonna be some of your most fun moments. ⁓ and I think I can take that advice on for myself currently, right now, too. And like looking back, I was probably feeling the same amount of stress and pressure and recruiting that I'm feeling now with what's next. ⁓ but things always seem to work out as planned. So I feel like I would definitely tell her, don't stress, like enjoy all the little moments and soak it all in. speaker-1: ⁓ I like that advice. Be where your feet are is immediately what comes to mind. Yes, I I love that advice. Yeah. All right. That wraps up the final buzzer segment and today's episode, unfortunately. But Sarah, this has been an absolute blast. I have really been looking forward to chatting with you, to learning more about you, to hearing your story, and all the more reason why it's going to be super easy for me to cheer for you on draft night. Best of luck. In the draft. Best of luck in the this next chapter. And I can't wait to keep cheering you on. Thank you for joining the show. speaker-0: Thank you so much for having me, Chris. It's been awesome. speaker-1: And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow hockey fans. Your support helps me to continue bringing you stories just like this one from around the world of women's hockey. I'm Chris Sinclair. Thank you so much for tuning in, and I'll catch you next time on Ringside Rundown.