Goaltender Charley Wing wonderful in home opener for Gaiters

With a Bishop’s Gaiters roster that features a quartet of solid goaltending talent, including Jade
Shushu Saulnier-Cyr, Aglaé René de Cotret and Faith Miller, Charley Wing has quickly emerged
as the number one goaltender in the first half of the season. Starting the Gaiters first two games
in U Sports play, Wing, who wears number 31, has quickly established herself as an All-Rookie
candidate between the pipes.

Raised in Huntsville, Ontario, her hockey journey beginning at the age of four, she starred
locally with her hometown Sting, following by several sensational seasons with the North Bay
AA Ice Boltz, playing for head coach Jayde Wolfe. Before joining the Gaiters, the 2019-20
season saw Wing between the pipes for the PWHL’s London Devilettes, appearing in 22 games.
Coincidentally, Wing’s regular season with the Gaiters took place in her home province of
Ontario, which features a pair of teams in the RSEQ Conference. On the road versus the Ottawa-
based Carleton Ravens, which saw Catherine Berger-Dubé record the Gaiters first U Sports goal,
Wing played valiantly, recording 29 saves.

Although the Ravens enjoyed a 2-1 lead after two periods of play, Wing stonewalled the
opposing offense throughout the third, providing her team with an opportunity to remain
competitive. Despite an empty-net goal denying the Gaiters an opportunity to tie, the season
opener served as a valuable learning experience. While Wing’s feelings heading into the game
encompassed a degree of nervous energy, soaking in the event and appreciating the opportunity
to make history were just as relevant,

”I think anxious is the right word to use here. There were obviously some nerves coupled with
lots of excitement but ultimately I think I just did my best to enjoy the moment in mine and the
teams U Sports debut.”

Gaining the start in the Gaiters home opener, contested with many enthusiastic fans at the Jane
and Eric Molson Arena, it signified another sensational milestone. Allowing Wing another
opportunity to become intertwined with Gaiters hockey history, the capacity crowd fuelled her
drive for a win.

Opposing Les Carabins de Montreal, one of the most accomplished teams of the last decade,
what could have been a baptism of fire became a highly inspiring performance. Assembling
another solid effort, demonstrating her ability to compete against the finest in the RSEQ, Wing
prevailed in a highly dramatic affair.

With both teams having scored thrice through the first two periods of play, Wing rose to the
occasion in the third. Recording seven third period saves, nullifying a pair of power plays for Les
Carabins, definitely her finest hour. Undeniably, Wing set the tone, instilling confidence in her
fellow Gaiters that a victory was possible.

Recording a game-high 31 saves, a third period goal by Gabrielle Rousseau stood as the game-
winning tally, providing a jubilant Wing with the cherished milestone of her first win in U Sports play. As a side note, before the first half of the season would expire, Wing also enjoyed the
opportunity to prevail in the rematch versus the visiting Carleton Ravens. With a solid 27-save
performance, with Jessica Bélan scoring the game-winner in a 3-1 final, the win was an
affirmation of Wing’s reliability between the pipes.

Reflecting on the historic win versus Les Carabins, Wing’s gratitude rose to the surface, quick to
acknowledge how the victory represented a road built on patience and determination. With a
season shelved in 2020-21 over pandemic fears, the opportunity to return to the ice and work
towards establishing the Gaiters as a program capable of competing on a national level took on a
significant meaning.

”This was a huge moment not only for me but for the team as well. We have all worked really
hard over the past two years and to get that first win under our belts is huge for us. Being able to
get the win at our home opener in front of a great crowd is a feeling that I will never forget.”