Like many Canadian kids, hockey has always been a passion for Cochranite Lauren Fredrich.
The senior University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s hockey player returned home on Oct. 24, as her team took on University of Calgary Dinos in a game Pronghorns won 3-0.
Fredrich picked up an assist in that game, bringing her points total to the season to seven points (three goals, four assists) in seven games; a career-best scoring run.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t always been wine and roses for the fourth-year management major.
After a solid first two seasons in Lethbridge, Fredrich was stopped cold in a frustrating third season where the coach had little faith in her, offering next to no playing time.
However, that didn’t stop her from keeping her nose to the grindstone and working through the diversity.
“It was a very difficult year,” she said. “The coach didn’t give me an opportunity to play.
Now, under new head coach, Michelle Janus, Fredrich has flourished, rediscovering her passion for the game she loves.
“This year has made a huge difference,” she said. “There’s a different coach, and a huge culture change. It’s been awesome.
“I’ve fallen in love with hockey again. I wasn’t sure if I was going to play in my fourth season, after the past few years, but I’ve gotten pretty confident now.
“The new coach gave me an opportunity to play and I’m just rolling with it.
Not only has she been on a renaissance run, but her team has been on fire as well, going 6-1 this season.
Fredrich is a selfless player, sacrificing for her teammates, and willing to do whatever it takes to help Pronghorns win.
Even though she is a forward, she stepped up and played defence on the power-play during the Dinos game, because two players were injured. She proved she was more than capable of the challenge, but she hasn’t let her recent form go to her head. Her feet are still firmly on the ground.
“I’m just looking to keep making a difference on the ice, and taking advantage of the power play,” she said.
“I’m on a career-high points-wise compared to what I’ve had in the last couple years, so it’s been pretty cool.”
Pronghorns played Dinos at home on Oct. 24, beating Calgary 5-4. Fredrich contributed a goal, her eighth point in as many games.
