It was a storybook ending to what will go down as an incredibly successful hockey journey for a Parkland star.
Caitlin Fillion of Gilbert Plains fell in love with hockey when she was just a young girl and when the Grand Plains Ice Dogs first became a team at the Atom age group eight years ago, Fillion jumped at the chance to play with them.
Now nearly a decade later, Fillion has graduated from the program and gone out as a champion. Hundreds of hours spent at the rink, travelling around the province, and spending time with her teammates are just a few of the things Caitlin has loved over the past eight years being a part of the Ice Dogs.
"It was such a cool experience to play hockey with just girls," said Fillion. "As I grew up in an all-girls environment, it showed you a different type of sportsmanship and friendships that will last a lifetime. I feel like I am very lucky that I had the chance to experience all of it over the last eight years."
Made up of girls from across the Parkland region, the Ice Dogs were a force to be reckoned with not only in Manitoba but across the prairies as well. Playing in the Rural Manitoba Female Hockey League here in our province, the Ice Dogs ventured out to Saskatchewan for several tournaments over the years, and this year, they brought home a pair of banners and some flashy gold medals to show off.
Playing in the Foxes Tournament in Prince Albert this year, the Ice Dogs won the event and showed that female hockey in the Parkland is in great hands.
"It was a great feeling, everyone always likes to win," offered Fillion. "There was so much happiness this year among us all and we achieved so much, it was a pretty incredible year."
Back in Manitoba in league play, it came right down to the wire as the Ice Dogs went up against Rivers in the championship series. After dropping game four 3-2, a championship was on the line as the Ice Dogs hosted game five at the GACC. Hundreds of fans packed the stands to cheer on the Ice Dogs as they scored early and often in cruising to a 5-2 win to win a league championship in their home arena.
After falling short last year, Fillion says that made winning this year feel that much sweeter.
"It felt so good with all of the support and how loud the rink was," said Fillion. "I feel so lucky to have all of that support from people from my town as well as all my family and friends. Our team worked so incredibly hard to get to this point, it was the perfect way to end my U18 career."
As Fillion reflects on her final season with the Ice Dogs, she does so with pride and gratitude. Her achievements, leading the league in goals against average and shutouts, are a testament to her skill and dedication. However, she quickly credits her teammates for their collective efforts in achieving their goals.
Caitlin went 6-2 in the regular season with two shutouts and an exceptional 2.08 goals-against average. Then come playoff time, Fillion won three of her four starts, posting a 1.25 goals-against average and two shutouts.
It was Fillion's final season as a member of the Ice Dogs and it was one that she will forever remember.
"It's a proud moment for me," Fillion concluded. "I feel I contributed significantly to our success. Huge thanks to my teammates for their stellar play throughout the season. Together, we aimed high and reached many milestones."
Caitlin now plans to attend Brandon University to study as she hopes to one day become a teacher.
