Kohl Says Making Sask First Program A Step In The Right Direction
By Robert Thomas
“Sask First is a step in the right direction,” Moose Jaw product Jasmine Kohl said, adding “its a great step to one day making Team Canada.”
That is how Kohl describes being part of this year’s Sask First program.
Kohl, who plays for the Prince Albert Northern Bears is one of three Moose Jaw area and former Moose Jaw Mavericks products vying for a place in the final Sask First squad.
Jasmine Kohl - submitted photo
The other two are Brooklyn Nimegeers from Moose Jaw, who players with the Regina Rebels U18A squad and Schay Campaugh playing with the Notre Dame Hounds from Caronport.
Developed in 1988 by Hockey Saskatchewan Sask First is a program designed to was designed to provide a better understanding of the game as well as to promote the development of quality players, coaches, trainers, officials and administrators.
The developmental program sees players chosen and then through a series of on ice time and game play cuts are made until the final Saskatchewan roster is finalized. The players then play in a tournament against the best players in the country.
The initial selection is eight goaltenders, 36 defense and 66 forwards.
“We all just go to this training camp and have little games,” is how she described participating in the program.
The program has not been able to fully operate the past two years because of the COVID - 19 pandemic.
Despite it being in a step in the right direction of her someday playing hockey at the college, university level or even going on to represent Canada at the international level, Kohl said it is a step she should be able to manage.
“It is something new and a challenge that should be not too much to handle.”
Kohl may have described the jump to Sask First as not large coming from playing U18 AAA but she said it is still a challenge she needs to succeed at heading towards her ultimate goals and dreams.
“It will pretty amazing getting selected,” she said if it all leads to her Team Canada dream.
Editor’s Note - We are attempting to catch up and publish a part two. Please stand by.