Heroes & Stars
The spirit of Alberta shines through our people; people who inspire each other to realize possibilities and every-day people who become our heroes and stars.
Meaghan Mikkelson
Sport: Ice Hockey (women)
Hometown: St. Albert, Alberta
Born: January 1985
“My dream was always to play for Team Canada.“
A typical day in the winter differs from a typical day in the summer. During winter, the emphasize is on practising and playing games, going to camps and tournaments, and training in the weight room three or four days a week.
In the summer, the focus is on conditioning, strength training, skill development and preparation for the upcoming season. Either way, the physical demands are high. Nutrition, sleep, and recovery are extremely important. The better you take care of your body, the harder you will be able to train, and the more you will be able to push yourself in order to achieve optimum performance levels.
Alberta provides its athletes with numerous opportunities, a supportive environment, and exceptional coaching when it comes to athletic development. Whether it is minor hockey associations, camps, school programs, or provincial teams, I have been lucky enough to have participated in a variety of different events and programs that have allowed me to get to where I am today in my sport.
My proudest moment in hockey was being named to the Canadian National Women's Hockey Team for the first time in 2007 to participate in the 2007 IIHF Women's World Championships in Harbin, China. My dream was always to play for Team Canada. When I pulled my country’s jersey over my head, the feeling of this dream coming true was truly indescribable!
I have learned that one of the main components required in order for a team to be successful is leadership. Without leadership, a team cannot reach its full potential. Some of the characteristics of a leader include confidence, responsibility, courage, knowledge, and positivity, to mention a few, along with an ability to encourage and motivate team members. There are many different types of leaders; some lead by example, others lead vocally. Either way, leaders must possess an ability to create a vision and convince others to act in a way that will help this vision become a reality.
What I say to younger athletes is never, never give up. Work as hard and as smart as you can each and every day so that, when you look back on your career as an athlete, you have no regrets.
My parents are my heroes and my role models. I have learned so much from them and there is no way that I would be where I am today in my sport without their guidance and support. I aspire one day to be the tremendous individuals they are.
More about me . . .
Club: Edmonton Chimos (WWHL)
Other hockey accomplishments:
Winner of 2006 National Championships with University of Wisconsin Badgers
Winner of 2007 National Championships with University of Wisconsin Badgers
Named to Canada’s National Women’s Hockey Team in 2007
Silver medal at 2008 IIHF World Women’s Championships, Harbin, China
