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Clarkson Cup a reality

March 23, 2009 03:42 PM | Posted by   Cassie Campbell  

It truly was a historical moment for women’s hockey.

After a two and a half year hiatus because of some unexpected licensing issues, the Clarkson Cup has finally been awarded to a championship team.

The Canadian Women’s Hockey League’s Montreal Stars, led by Lisa-Marie Breton and Team Canada standout Caroline Ouellette, defeated the Minnesota Whitecaps of the Western Women’s Hockey League by a score of 3-1.

Governor General's gift

The Clarkson Cup was originally given to women’s hockey in 2006 after the Canadian team won its second consecutive gold medal at the Turin Olympics, by former governor general Adrienne Clarkson.

The beautiful piece of artwork that is the Clarkson Cup has a ton of symbolism. It bears Clarkson’s Coat of Arms on one side and the Inuit goddess Sedna, mother of creature of the sea, on the other. The goddess is a head and torso of a woman and a tail of a fish. Sedna also shows her dedication and passion for hockey as she holds a puck and a stick.

Clarkson wanted the trophy to represent the North for without the North we all would have no ice or snow. The trophy truly is a fantastic piece of artwork.

However, the real symbolism of the trophy goes far beyond the images on the trophy itself. It’s about what it represents. It should be the symbol of that fact that the battle between East and West in this great country should only happen on the ice and not off it.

A dream for women's hockey

For our sport to get to the next level, we need everyone on the same page. Learn from the men’s game. Years ago leagues were stopped and started with regularity before they realized that one league with two divisions was the way to go.

Our sport is still relatively young in terms of international competition, but it has been around for many years. We owe it to those women who played during war times to come together and do what is best for the game. Trying to take credit cannot be of priority for those who truly want the game to move forward.

As a former player it has been frustrating to see the process be more about the people off the ice than the ones who are actually on it.

My dream is to see all little girls growing up in this country have the option of playing not only for Team Canada, but also for a league of their own. In fact, it would be even better if girls all over the world dream of one day playing professionally for one identity.

On March 21, 2009, history was made on the ice and hopefully more history can be made off it.

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