One of the greatest to wear the Carleton Ravens jersey, Tawnya Guindon brought a combination of work ethic and talent that made her a highly valued teammate. Such values were evident in a new setting as Guindon contributed towards the Ottawa Capitals building a dynasty at the CBHA level.
Certainly, Guindon’s return to competitive play represented one of the Capitals feel-good stories. Raised east of Ottawa, finishing her Ravens career as team captain, Guindon was definitely a homegrown talent and local hero. In addition to coaching elite junior hockey, plus an opportunity with the USports Female Apprenticeship Coaching Program, the chance to win the 2023 CBHA National Championship adds to a sparkling sporting legacy in the Capital.
Congrats to Tawnya Guindon (WHKY) on being selected for the inaugural @USPORTSca Female Apprentice Coach Program! 👏
The new program aims to increase the number of females in coaching positions across Canadian universities.
Full story ➡️ https://t.co/Iwc16ZAPXo pic.twitter.com/sVyHHP3ewb
— Carleton Ravens (@CURavens) August 20, 2020
Serendipitously, Guindon was not the only Ravens alumni on the Capitals star studded championship roster. Joining her included Claudia Bergeron, one of the Ravens finest stars on offense and one of the most decorated players in OVWBHL history.
During the 2023 OVWBHL season, Guindon suited up for the Mooseheads, one of the league’s legacy clubs. Finishing second in team scoring, trailing team captain Elysia Desmier, also the Capitals captain, Guindon demonstrated that she remained a prime time player. As a side note, Bergeron played for the club identified by the sobriquet, Bushwhackers.
Additionally, Audrey-Ann Boutour, who called Guindon a Ravens teammate from 2014 to 2017, held a place on the Capitals roster. Coincidentally, both Guindon and Boutour played professionally in Europe. Guindon skated for Goteborg HC and Leksands IF in Sweden, while Boutour enjoyed a season with Austria’s Neuberg Highlanders.
Undeniably, the presence of such admired Ravens provided more than the sense of full circle for Guindon, but the rekindling of fond memories. With championship ball hockey extending the careers of three terrific competitors, the common thread of Ravens hockey provided a sense of residual warmth.
“Yes, it was really great seeing them again. Claudia Bergeron is a great player and even better person, so it was nice to have her leadership around for my first Nationals. It was also nice to play with Bouts again and happy to share this experience together”
In her first three appearances at the CBHA Nationals, Guindon recordef at least one point. The opening match, a 7-0 whitewash of the New Tecumseth X-Treme, resulted in Guindon assisting on a goal by Jessica Schroeder.
The following match provided a tournament highlight for Guindon. Defeating Team British Columbia in a hard-fought 3-1 final, Guindon recorded the game winning goal. With assists credited to Annalisa “Mazzie” Mazzarello and Desmier, both possessing international experience at the ISBHF level, she was in distinguished company.
Following it up as one of seven different Capitals to find the back of the net in a 7-2 triumph versus the Edmonton Cherry Pickers, which also saw Boutour add her name to the scoresheet, Guindon found her groove. Also enjoying a multi point effort in an 8-1 dismantling of the Saskatoon Stingers, whose jerseys are a throwback to the Vancouver Canucks motif of the 1980s, such strong showings held multiple meaning for Guindon. Finding a blissful sense of satisfaction in a return to elite competitive play, the experience also proved rejuvenating.
“It was honestly great to be an athlete again. As a new player at my first ball hockey tournament, my goal was to enjoy it and help the team as best as I could to win.
I am grateful that I was able to contribute to the success of the team. I owe all the credit to my teammates who helped me.”
With the combination of the CBHA Nationals plus the OVWBHL season marking Guindon’s competitive return in the Capital Region’s sporting conversation, the drive and determination never withered. Having always set a positive example in the red Ravens jersey, her ethereal serenity among her finest qualities, the one achievement that eluded her in such a memorable time was a championship. Gaining the opportunity to reach such a vaunted pinnacle in her CBHA debut held a highly heartwarming element, serving as a karmic reward for all the years of sweat and sacrifice.
“It was a great feeling to win the championship with this group. I have not competed at a high level in four years. Therefore, it was nice to play for something meaningful as that competitive drive never goes away. Another highlight would be the time spent with my roommates and the memories we created throughout the week.”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated“
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