Creston youth with a passion for the ice got the chance to skate with a pro this summer.
Emma Woods, a 29-year-old forward in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, returned to her hometown to lead a week-long hockey camp.
From Aug. 19 to 23, Woods led 50 participants, ages seven to 15, through drills and individual coaching to improve their skills and hockey knowledge.
Woods was happy to return to Creston to visit her parents and sister who still call it home.
“It was a special opportunity to do something for the community and give back,” she said.
Long before her professional career began, the very first team she played on was the Creston Bruins at age six.
Last season, Woods played for PWHL New York. And now, she has signed a two-year contract for Toronto, still playing as No. 67.
There were many helping hands throughout the week including Emma Greco (PWHL Minnesota defender), Geordie Wudrick (Creston Valley Thunder Cats head coach), Brendan MacKenzie (assistant coach), Riley Kostering (Thunder Cats defender), and local moms (Laura and Amanda).
“I felt that everyone stepped up to help make the camp successful,” said Woods. “I live in Toronto right now, and it’s just not the same community feel as in a small town.”
From the positive feedback received from players and parents, Woods hopes to continue coaching youth for years to come.
“I got a couple of emails from parents, and I didn’t realize the impact for young girls to see professional athletes,” she said. “When I was young, I could only dream of playing for the NHL. Now we have this amazing professional league for women that girls can dream of being a part of. So for them to see us and be coached on the ice beside us, it's just super motivating and inspiring.”
The camp raised $1,600 for the Grindstone Award Foundation, which supports underprivileged girls to play hockey.
“Hockey is a very privileged sport, not a cheap sport,” said Woods “So $1,600 is enough money for three girls to start playing hockey.”
