Distinguished Dawn Tulk enjoys rare ISBHF double on home soil

Possessing a brilliant career highlighted by four fantastic gold medals plus a bronze medal at the ISBHF Women’s Worlds, Dawn Tulk has earned legendary standing. One of the most accomplished to have worn the Maple Leaf, every successive appearance is an opportunity to appreciate her brilliance, a new chapter added to a tremendous narrative.

As 2022 saw the ISBHF stage the Worlds in Laval, Quebec, a strong sense of national pride enveloped the Canadian contingent. Considering that the last time the Worlds were hosted in Canada, back in 2013, the majority of the current roster were still teenagers, several playing ice hockey at the university level.

Of note, the 2013 edition of the Worlds held profound meaning for Tulk. Contested in her home province of Newfoundland, the Canadian contingent bounced back from a devastating silver medal in 2011 to earn golden redemption two years later. Alongside fellow Newfoundlanders Kristen Cooze and Amanda Kean, the glorious outcome established them as provincial sport heroes.

With Tulk calling Cooze a teammate nine years later, their paths running parallel for a dazzling decade, including a celebrated run with Newfoundland United at the CBHA Nationals, 2022 provided fulfillment for this distinguished duo. From the outset, the geographic proximity allowed for a family affair, with close relatives showing their support. Both enjoying the opportunity to make history with a pair of gold medals won on home soil, another element represented a strong point of pride, as Cooze gained entry into the ISBHF Hall of Fame,

“Outside of winning the gold, the week was one to remember. I am proud of my lifelong friend, Kristen Cooze for getting inducted into the ISBHF Hall of Fame. That was a special moment for sure.

It is such a special experience to be a part of the CBHA program. Being at home provides the opportunity for family and friends to be a part of the ISBHF events and that makes every moment of the tournament so much sweeter. It was also nice for the time zones to allow for friends to watch from home for the first time in a few years!”

Named an alternate captain for Team Canada, Tulk’s leadership took on a different, and unforeseen, complexion. Inactive for a handful of games in tournament play due to an injury, her presence still provided an aura of confidence. Despite the physical setback, Tulk remained emotionally strong, an admirable sign of encouragement. Finding inspiration in a group of teammates that collectively displayed character, the ability to persevere and show up may have been her finest hour.

“I suffered an injury the day before the tournament in our pre-tournament camp, which kept me out of the line up for the duration of the tournament, so my leadership role became very different than I had envisioned. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a team full of leaders who helped make the experience so special. 

It is always an honour to be selected as a leader at this level. We had an amazing coaching staff (of all females) and teammates who made the leadership role and easy one.”

To a degree, the tournament also represented an emotional passing of the torch. With Cooze and Tulk having established their legacies as greats of the game, a rising star from Newfoundland made her ISBHF debut in 2022. Having also participated in ice hockey at the 2019 Canada Winter Games, Shae-Lynn Clarke extended the brilliant legacy of ball hockey heroes from the province, displaying the promise of a new era.  

As the 2022 Worlds represented a wide spectrum of emotion for Tulk, from leadership, injury and history, a wondrous sense of achievement encompassed the overall experience. Proud to belong to Canada’s golden generation, the last decade involving titles in 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022, Tulk is among the program’s headliners. Essential towards creating this era of dynastic dominance, the feeling of gratitude and jubilation is certainly reciprocal,

“Having my family there for the Final was also special. It was also awesome to reconnect with so many great teammates from over the years to make new memories. The entire week was a collection of highlights that I will remember forever. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of another event with our world class organization CBHA.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”