A couple of sisters recently received some big news. Kyla and Jordyn Bear started out playing minor hockey with the boys in Ochapowace in grade eight; they were off to play for the Parkland Lions, a AA midget team based out of Churchbridge. Then the girls played for the Prairie Fire for two years until the program disbanded. After that, it was off to British Columbia in grade 11 where they played for the Okanagan Hockey Academy. In grade 12 the sisters played for the Kelowna Rink Hockey Academy. Next year, the girls will be off to play division one college hockey for the Rochester Institute of Technology.
“Playing division 1 hockey has always been the goal for both of us, and being able to reach that goal is an achievement,” says Kyla “This allows us to continue our education and be a student athlete as well. Moving away from home in grade 9 to play hockey in Melville, seems so long ago. We were fortunate enough to find amazing billet parents Blare and Sue Howat, they made the transition so easy for us and we were able to stay with them for two seasons.”
The twins have not forgotten where they came from. “Melville has always had a special place for our hockey family,” Kyla adds
“My two older brothers also played in Melville. [I loved] all the familiar faces that were always willing to help us whenever we needed it,” Jordyn says. “Such as rink staff, Art at the skate sharpening and Greg in the canteen.”
Hard work has paid off for the Bear sisters. They have a lot to be proud of and everyone will be cheering them on as they begin the next stage in their hockey careers.
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By: Travis Longman