Player Highlight: Brooklyn Salewski, Women's Hockey

The women's hockey program at Lakeland College is littered with athletes described as team first, such as versatile wing Brooklyn Salewski.

The third year from Wilkie was critical role player again for the Rustlers this season, helping them to a second straight league title. Hea coach Morgan Mann called her an unsung hero and absolute warrior.

"She will block any shot in any way possible," he said. "The energy and pace she plays with is tremendous and whatever's asked of her, playing forward or defence, she does."

Salewski said being able to shut down opposing players is a point of pride and more enjoyable that people think.

"I like the level of compete you get when battling," she said. "I'm more of a defensive player, that's why [Morgan] puts me on defence when he can, because I can cover everyone on the back end as well as be the corner grinder."

That quality has allows been a part of Salewski's game and something she said has helped the Rustlers have success.

"It was what I was good when I started hockey," she said. "So, I embraced not being the one with fancy hands."

"Players working together and filling those roles that other people aren't fond of or the best at, having hat bit of difference and filling in with everyone else makes you an efficient team."

"We have the scorers, the grinders, the offensive and defensive players. Working with each type and throwing them together has made us what we are."

Salewski grew up playing for the Battlefords Sharks when she got to participate in an exhibition game against the Rustlers in their first season. Prior to committing to play post-secondary hockey, she had already looked at Lakeland's agriculture programming and is happy she got to experience both aspects of her college experience.

"I heard a lot of great things and it was more hands on than other places, which is how I learn," she said. "It fit everything I was looking for, so I was very happy when Morg asked me to be on the team."

"The culture of people, how people interact with each other, everything intermingles here and I really like that aspect about it."

This year was particularly memorable, with the team traveling to Quebec and then defending their title in dramatic fashion. Coach Mann noted Salewski's efforts in Game 5, the double overtime classic.

"She was one of a couple players that went to another level with her game," Mann said.

"It was definitely electric in that building," Salewski said. "All the drums, the energy, being at home and having everyone rooting for you, that is what helped us through the game."

"When things come down to the nail, I tend to worker harder than before, it's the last push, there's nothing else to save it for, it being where we were."

Following exams, Salewski will undergo her practicum through the summer to December, then take an elective to stay eligible for the remainder of hockey season. In looking at next year's squad, she was optimistic about their chances, given they'll have quality recruits helping to ease the burden of losing veterans.

"I think we'll have the same team, with the same compete we always have and I'm excited to be a part of that for one more year."

Brooklyn Salewski is completing her third year of eligibility and her first year of Agriculture Technology, following the completion of her Crop Technology diploma. She and the rest of the Rustlers have some down time before training camp and summer camp coaching begin in late summer.