AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: Abbie Shynkaruk | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

MEET ABBIE!

Tell us about yourself!

Hi, my name is Abbie. I’m from Saskatoon Saskatchewan, and this year I played for the A Comet Crusaders. Next year I will be in midget and am currently trying to make AAA. I’ve been skating since I learned how to walk. My entire family has been very good at hockey, so it is in my blood. I played on both all boys teams (for 2 years) and all female teams (7 years). I have also helped coach my brother’s hockey team. I just love to play the game and want to inspire others to as well.

What made you want to be a WHL Brand Ambassador?

Growing up, hockey wasn’t always welcoming to me as a female, and I know overall sports still aren’t always as accepting to female athletes. I want to help inspire others to just go for it and do what you love. I also want to let others know they’re not alone and there’s older female role model to look up to. The main reason I want to do this is to hopefully help keep girls in sports and maybe inspire others to say, “hey if she can do it, I can”. I also love showing the boys that girls can do anything they can!

What are you most looking forward to as a #WHLAMBASSADOR?

I’m very excited to meet other females that share the same love for the sport as me! I also love to share my love for the sport, so I’m excited to be able to do that. When we are able to host events when COVID is gone, I can’t wait to help represent WHL!

What’s something not a lot of people know about you?

I’m kind of a little nerdy. I love a good book and I am really into science and psychology! I also am a fan of art and have learned how to knit and embroider.

If you could sit down and have dinner with one female hockey player, who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with Hayley Wickenheiser. I attended Wickfest, which is her hockey tournament. She was amazing to talk to and gave really good advice. Growing up, she has always been an inspiration to me in how she never gives up or backs down from a challenge.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given in hockey or in life?

Be Stubborn! Stubborn isn’t something we’re told to be as females, but I attended a Women in Sports conference and a couple of the speakers told me that the only thing that kept them going was to be stubborn and that’s how they got what they wanted. Whether it was pestering coaches for feedback and or never quitting in order to make teams. Be stubborn to get what you want!

What’s your dream for women’s hockey? 

I want for women’s hockey to have their own league – where the women have our own NHL and are paid and broadcasted on TV like the men. I have to say that hockey is a sport where the men are not always very supportive of the women, so I want girls to not feel afraid to play hockey because of what the other male hockey players say. I want for women and men’s hockey to be considered equal and for all of the women in hockey to be treated with respect!

CONNECT WITH ABBIE: 

@Abbie.Shynkaruk

WANT TO JOIN OUR #WHLAMBASSADOR TEAM?

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