'Stick to your goals': Hockey camp teaches life lessons

Team Canada defence player Brigette Lacquette plays in big arenas these days, but this week in Whitehorse she's reminding some young players that she started in a small town.

A very small town.

Lacquette grew up in Mallard, Man., — population, about 150.

"I've come from a small community much like these kids," she said.

Lacquette, whose story of dedication and success against the odds has inspired many, has participated in the annual Northwestel Hockey Summit in Whitehorse before.

"For me, it's basically 'stick to your goals'," Lacquette said when asked what hockey has taught her.

"Anything's possible if you put your mind to it."

About 80 youth are at this year's "Learn to Lead" camp, which has been held annually in Whitehorse for the last 14 years. It's presented by the Yukon Indian Hockey Association.

Another coach this year is Wacey Rabbit, a member of the Kainai First Nation in southern Alberta. He's been an NHL draft pick and he's also played in Croatia, and the Asia League. That's meant travel to China, Japan, Russia and South Korea.

"Honestly, hockey's opened a lot of doors, and I want to spread that message to those kids," he said.

Youth from Nunavut, N.W.T., B.C. and Yukon

Young people have travelled to the camp from across the North this week.

Dalen Alfred, 16, lives in Pelly Crossing, Yukon and he's been working on his fitness at the camp.

"It's a lot of stretching, a lot of jogging around, and cardio training and all that," he said.

Anna Lund is another player from Watson Lake. She's a winger on the Whitehorse Mustangs team and therefore often travels far to play.

"Because I play in Whitehorse, I have to drive almost every weekend to play hockey," she said.

The leadership camp continues until July 29.