Team gets surprise pep talk from hockey hero

A worldwide hockey hero surprised the Cochrane Rockies Midget A girls last month with a private and inspirational locker room visit.

Cochrane Minor Hockey Association Female Director Debbie Novello said the young players were part of more than 1,500 to participate in the seventh annual Canadian Tire Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival - the largest all-girl hockey tournament in the world, founded by five-time Olympic medallist Hayley Wickenheiser. ?Wickfest? took place in Calgary over the Nov. 17 and 24 weekends.

Before the Rockies' game on Nov. 19 against Saskatchewan's Notre Dame Hounds, Novello said she spotted Wickenheiser at the first aid station - and decided to take a chance.

?I went over and asked her very spontaneously, ?I have a team that's been working hard, getting better every game, but haven't won a game (the Rockies are 0-3 so far this season). Could you come and give them a little pre game pep inspirational talk to help motivate them?'? recalled Novello.

Not only did Wickenheiser agree to come into the change room - she spoke with the team for 15 minutes, sharing stories about going up against tough teams and encouraging them to focus on just five minutes at a time during play.

Then, one of the best female hockey players in the world did one better.

?She said, ?I'm going to come watch your game. Look up in the stands - you'll see me,'? said Novello. ?And she did. She came and watched their game.?

The presence of such a powerful hockey legend raised the Rockies' spirits and they scored the first goal against the Hounds. Although they went on to lose the match, Novello said Wickenheiser's words will carry the team through the rest of the season.

?She was awesome. (She said), ?Never get down on yourself just be yourself and be a team and work as a team,? said Novello. ?I think her message was strong.?