Bringing an indomitable spirit to the ice, Tatum Amy’s career reached a sensational summit this season. From capturing the Canada West scoring title to earning All-Canadian honors, Amy, also serving as team captain, ascended to superstar status. Recognized for her efforts with the Player of the Year Award in Canada West play, such an achievement became even rewarding with the opportunity to hoist the Golden Path Trophy.
With a season resulting in a superlative 34 points, playmaking brilliance on display with 26 assists, Amy, the pride of Birtle, Manitoba, emerged as the Mount Royal Cougars offensive catalyst. Starting the season with a 12-game scoring streak, spanning from September 30 to November 12, 2022, Amy enjoyed a trio of tremendous three-point performances. Coincidentally, each involved recording three assists (vs Alberta – October 1, vs Manitoba – October 28, vs Regina – November 11).
Considering that the Cougars enjoyed 17 wins when Amy logged at least one point, providing a consistency for a highly talented team eager to stake their claim among the nation’s finest, her importance as an impact player took on greater relevance. Fittingly, Tatum logged an assist in the final game of the season, resulting in the Cougars greatest win.
Triumphant in the U Sports national championship, an historic first, the Cougars reached this plateau by defeating the defending champion Concordia Stingers in highly dramatic fashion. Battling back from a 3-2 deficit to tie the game with two seconds remaining in the third period, an overtime goal by fellow All-Canadian Emma Bergesen, the combination of exhilaration and emotion was only outmatched by confidence.
“Emotions were definitely high heading into overtime versus Concordia, but it was very calm in the dressing room. Everyone believed so much that we had the ability to grab the win. Excitement is another word to describe what I was feeling. It was an amazing game to be a part of, one I will never forget.”
Recording an assist in the final, the sense of excitement was certainly understandable. Amy assisted on the game tying goal in the third, perhaps the most dramatic goal in Cougars history, resulting in the Stingers one goal advantage evaporating. Collaborating with Courtney Kollman, the two assisted on Breanne Trotter’s second goal of the game. With Bergesen, also a member of Norway’s national team, scoring the overtime goal, Kollman rose to the occasion, earning another assist for her first multi-point effort in the postseason.
Becoming the first female team in Cougars athletic history to win a national championship, taking on the mantle of ice hockey heroines, this remarkable roster holds a place of reverence in the university’s sporting conversation. As captain of this tremendous team, Amy shall be intertwined in Cougars lore, a legacy made richer by hoisting the Golden Path Trophy.
“I feel special enough to have been able to be the captain of this team. This team is one of a kind, and it means the world to be a part of the first team at MRU to bring home the National Championship title.”
Among the significant haul of hockey hardware and accolades, one special facet of acclaim included the Canada West Student Athlete Community Service Award. Although Amy garnered more attention for her on-ice brilliance, she was equally heroic off it. With over 125 hours of volunteering during the academic year, the fact that Amy is also an Academic All-Canadian speaks to a remarkable character.
Mirroring the pair of accolades as Canada West’s MVP and Community Service Award recipient, another prestigious double took place in the aftermath of the championship season. Amy earned acclaim at the Mount Royal Cougars Athletics Ceremony, cementing an admirable legacy. Capturing the Al Bohonus Mount Royal Female Athlete of the Year Award, it marked the second year in a row that a member of the ice hockey team enjoyed the honour. Worth noting, last year’s winner, Tianna Ko, also enjoyed the Canada West MVP in the same year, Amy duplicating the feat.
Bestowed the prestigious prize of the Cougars’ Community Leadership Award, it was only fitting that Amy’s final season in the Cougars jersey resulted in well-deserved recognition as a hockey humanitarian. Finding tremendous joy in the chance to volunteer, the values gained from teamwork translated into the admirable focus of giving back. From seeking to help children and youth as a mentor through great causes like HEROS Hockey and Extreme Hockey, also giving her time to the Flames Equipment Bank, bringing betterment comprises her goals.
Pondering a highly promising future with the prospect of the empowering Hockey Canada Creating Coaches Program, one seemingly tailor made for her work ethic, Amy is poised to build on a successful Cougars career with great results.
“I think the enjoyment of volunteering is the feeling I get when I play hockey and when I am with my team. I want everyone to be able to experience that. Being able to witness youth thrive in a hockey setting brings me joy!”
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“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated“
