Tell us about yourself!

My name is Mikayla Guarasci. I’m 17 years old and I’m from Welland, Ontario. I started playing hockey at 10 years old. I was later than most but my two younger sisters were playing and I decided to join in on the fun too. We all traded in our ballet slippers, tap shoes and racks of costumes for smelly hockey equipment. That decision changed my life. As I’ve continued to play hockey, I have become a timekeeper and helped with younger teams. I’ve always loved watching hockey just as much as playing it. Even before we became involved with minor hockey, my family loved the sport and loved the Toronto Maple Leafs. Watching hockey is and always will be a major part of our everyday life.

What made you want to be a WHL Brand Ambassador?

I wanted to be a WHL Brand Ambassador because the growth of the women’s game is extremely important to me. Hockey is a sport that has given me so much, I want nothing more than for young girls everywhere to get that experience too. I want hockey fans to be able to turn their TV to a women’s hockey game whenever they want, rather just during IIHF play or special occasions.

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

I am looking forward to connecting with ambassadors and other hockey fans from all over the globe. I am excited to hear stories as well as share my own. I want to learn what hockey means to other people and what the game has given them.

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

Something that not a lot of people may know about me is that I have a deep love for writing. I have been blogging since I was 12 years old and I plan to pursue writing as part of a future career.

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

If I could sit down with one female hockey player it would be one of two people. The first would be Hayley Wickenheiser because she’s the greatest of all time! I feel that even just a simple conversation with her could teach me so much. I also think she would have some incredible stories. The other one would be Natalie Spooner. Like Hayley, Natalie is an incredible hockey player and athlete. She is my favourite player in the CWHL and I would love to hear stories about her time on the Amazing Race Canada and her different experiences at the Olympics.

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

Picking one piece of advice is hard for me. I’ve had so many amazing mentors who have taught me so much. I would have to say that the one that sticks out in my mind is “Don’t let other people’s successes devalue yours.” You shouldn’t compare your journey to anyone else’s because everyone’s life is different. If we continuously measure ourselves to others, then we will never truly be happy.

What’s your dream for women’s hockey?

My dream for women’s hockey is to have pay, attention and most importantly respect that is equal to the men’s game. I want women to be able to make hockey a full-time career.

Interested in becoming a #WHLAMBASSADOR?

APPLY HERE