Player Highlight: Julianna Giacobba, Women's Hockey
Third time's a charm in the hockey journey of Julianna Giacobbo.
The 5th year blue liner for the Rustlers Women's hockey team is enjoy her second season at Lakeland College, following two stops prior to her time in the Border City. Giacobbo credits the team for making the transition smooth.
"It's like a second home now," she said. "Morgan Mann and all of the coaches have made it a really good place to be."
"She brings maturity, has a high compete level and has been a great addition to our team," Coach Mann said.
Hailing from St. Albert, Alberta, Giacobbo originally traveled south of the border to play NCAA Division 3 hockey in New York, suiting up for the Morrisville Mustangs. She then came back to Canada and joined the University of Regina Cougars for two years. Needing a change, Giacobbo quickly found she preferred not only the program, but also the quality of life in Lloydminster.
"When I was in New York, it was basically just a college town," she said. "It was a fun time, but I wanted something more."
"Regina feels like a big city, but here in Lloyd, it's not too big or too small and we're [known] in the community, where people smile when they see you. I think it's the perfect balance of both."
Coach Mann said he was prepared to tell Giacobbo no when she inquired about competing for the Rustlers, as he already had a full roster. However, that conversation showcased some of the determination fans now see on the ice.
"She was pretty persistent," he said. "What sold me on finally committing to having her come this way, back when I was initially talking to Gio and we weren't sure if we would have room, was when she told me "I guarantee you won't regret taking me onto your team.""
Helping Giacobbo with the transition to Rustler hockey was familiarity with her new teammates.
"I grew up playing against a lot of these girls, so I kind of knew who they were already," she said. "I also had some teammates from midget hockey already playing here,"
"We certainly haven't, she's been terrific."
This season having several younger players join the roster has given the veteran blueliner an even bigger role of leadership. As the team tracks towards another winning season, Giacobbo is excited for the rest of the season.
"We have a certain way we do things around here and the new girls have picked it up quick," she said.
And given that this is her final season of college competition, she's savouring each moment.
"Just continuing to get that little bit better each day," she said. "Knowing that it's my last year, I think it makes practice urgent, because you're not going to get to do this every day next year. So, I use my time wisely, make sure I'm present at the rink and enjoy it."
"Don't take any days for granted, because you never know what's comes next."
Julianna Giacobbo is taking Nursing at Lakeland College. She and the rest of the women's hockey team are on the road this weekend, where they finish the semester with three straight games against the SAIT Trojans.