The Gleaner
Hockey player Sarah Lefort dazzles the Chinese
le vendredi 16 mars 2018
Modifié à 10 h 08 min le 16 mars 2018
Sarah Lefort always suffers jet lag coming from China. Les Canadiennes de Montréal forward has returned from a two game series tour in a fully expanding market for hockey. Although the culture of this sport has not yet completely taken hold, her hat trick certainly made an impression.
"I don't play for a Chinese team, so I don't think I've become much of a star over there," she admitted. "The Kunlun Red Star is in equal ranking with us and I wanted to experience an intense game."
In spite of her three goals, Les Canadiennes were edged out 4-3 under heavy barrage on February 28. In fact, Les Canadiennes suffered defeat in their four games on Chinese ice.
The Canadian Women's Hockey League integrated two training courses from China into its tour this year. A charm offensive in anticipation of the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games. "Before this year, I had never thought about playing hockey in this country," indicated Lefort. "The arenas were full enough with more than 1000 spectators which is a good crowd for the CWHL. The crowd was lively, but nothing compared to the ones we get in Montreal."
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16 goals and 29 points constitute new heights for the player from Ormstown in the Canadian Women's Hockey League. (Photo Céline Gélinas/LCHF)[/caption]
In fact, the most enthusiastic spectators were Quebec employees and artists from Cirque du Soleil who were performing in China.
Larger role
Between seasons, Les Canadiennes made some changes to personnel. Players like Marie-Philip Poulin and Lauriane Rougeau went off to Pyeonchang for the Olympic Games. Consequently, Sarah Lefort's role evolved and her responsibilities became greater.
"I wanted to surpass my limits," she said. "I also met with head coach Dany Brunet at the beginning of January and we established clearly what was expected of me. He pushed me in the direction I wanted to go."
Sarah Lefort persevered and as such has not suffered from second season bad luck. After 26 matches, she ranks sixth among the best players in the CWHL with 29 points. The twenty-four year old player has also recorded three hat tricks to date. All her statistics indicate a new level.
The Cup in sight
Les Canadiennes de Montréal will open the 2018 CWHL playoffs against the Markham Thunder in a best of three semi-final series.
Game 1 will take place on Mar. 16, 7:30 p.m., Michel Normandin Arena, Game 2 on Mar. 17, 7:30 p.m., Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, and Game 3 (if needed) on Mar. 18, 2:30 p.m., Michel Normandin Arena.
Saturday and Sunday’s playoff games will be live-streamed and archived on TheCWHL.com.
The series promises to be an exciting showcase between the Thunder and Les Canadiennes as every game between the two rivals this season was decided by one goal.
16 goals and 29 points constitute new heights for the player from Ormstown in the Canadian Women's Hockey League. (Photo Céline Gélinas/LCHF)[/caption]
In fact, the most enthusiastic spectators were Quebec employees and artists from Cirque du Soleil who were performing in China.
Larger role
Between seasons, Les Canadiennes made some changes to personnel. Players like Marie-Philip Poulin and Lauriane Rougeau went off to Pyeonchang for the Olympic Games. Consequently, Sarah Lefort's role evolved and her responsibilities became greater.
"I wanted to surpass my limits," she said. "I also met with head coach Dany Brunet at the beginning of January and we established clearly what was expected of me. He pushed me in the direction I wanted to go."
Sarah Lefort persevered and as such has not suffered from second season bad luck. After 26 matches, she ranks sixth among the best players in the CWHL with 29 points. The twenty-four year old player has also recorded three hat tricks to date. All her statistics indicate a new level.
The Cup in sight
Les Canadiennes de Montréal will open the 2018 CWHL playoffs against the Markham Thunder in a best of three semi-final series.
Game 1 will take place on Mar. 16, 7:30 p.m., Michel Normandin Arena, Game 2 on Mar. 17, 7:30 p.m., Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, and Game 3 (if needed) on Mar. 18, 2:30 p.m., Michel Normandin Arena.
Saturday and Sunday’s playoff games will be live-streamed and archived on TheCWHL.com.
The series promises to be an exciting showcase between the Thunder and Les Canadiennes as every game between the two rivals this season was decided by one goal.