Gabriella Pierman, a 12-year-old Korah Collegiate student, has had an international hockey experience few young athletes get to enjoy.
The young centre was selected to play for a Canadian team in the U14 World Selects Invitational Tournament held in Chamonix, France April 18-27.
After her skills were noticed by a coach, Pierman was invited to participate in the tournament by Play Hockey, an organization that assembles some of the best young players from across North America to meet, play and bond with each other.
The experience enriches their lives – both on and off the ice.
Gabriella played centre for the Western Prime Selects, one of two teams representing Canada in the tournament that included four U.S. teams as well as squads from the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland and Sweden.
She scored two goals, added an assist and was named MVP in one of the games.
“We played Sweden and I scored in the second period. That was the only goal in the game and the game-winning goal. It was nice to be in the competition there.
"I was passing the puck, scoring goals. It really felt good to play with girls from across Canada I had never met before and we gelled pretty well,” Gabriella told SooToday.
She also enjoyed sightseeing in France and Switzerland.
The Minnesota Prospects won the tournament while Gabriella's Western Prime Selects had two wins and four losses.
Despite not winning the tournament, Gabriella considers it the experience of a lifetime.
“It was so much fun. I made tons of friends. I still keep in contact with them. Going to France and Switzerland was so cool.”
Gabriella's mother is proud of her daughter’s achievements.
“She was really playing the puck and doing some great skating with a ‘never give up’ attitude. As parents, the coaches pulled us aside just to tell us that she's got some great skills and leadership qualities,” said Katrina Pierman.
Gabriella’s love for hockey began not long after she learned to skate on her backyard rink.
She initially played on boys’ teams before moving to the U15 A Soo Jr. Greyhounds Girls team of the Sault Female Hockey Association two years ago.
“Playing with the boys was fun. The competition was great. Now, just being able to hang out with the girls, I love it. Last year my team came second in Ontario in provincial competition. It’s super cool.”
Though she said a post-secondary education is in her future, Gabriella is seriously considering a career in professional hockey.
“I watch the Soo Greyhounds and the Toronto Maple Leafs, and I want to be like them. I want to play in a big league. I keep on playing and working hard, training and putting in the work to go somewhere in hockey."
Gabriella lists Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Mitch Marner and women’s hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser among the professional hockey players she admires.
She wants to play for Korah Collegiate and eventually play for a college team in the NCAA.
“I've always wanted to win a gold medal for Team Canada in the Winter Olympics, and they’ve just created the Professional Women's Hockey League. Hopefully I can play in that league.”
Gabriella has the full support of her family.
“She's a skilled player. She plays lots of other sports and she does well in school. If she continues with her determination and work ethic, anything is possible for her in hockey,” Katrina said.