The Concordia Stingers women’s hockey team added forward Emmy Fecteau to their roster this past summer. Fecteau joined the Stingers after winning three consecutive RSEQ championships with the Limoilou Titans in the RSEQ collegiate league.
Fecteau decided to be a Stinger after visiting Concordia and the team’s facilities with her family this summer. The forward said she immediately felt good during her visit.
“I thought the team was great,” Fecteau said. “The coaching staff is very impressive here, and the group of players seemed very welcoming. They seemed to have a lot of fun. That’s what really convinced me to come here.”
Stingers head coach Julie Chu said the team is fortunate to add Fecteau to its roster. She described the Saint-Odilon native as not only a great hockey player, but also a great person and dedicated student-athlete.
“She’s someone who definitely loves to compete and loves to win, and those are characteristics of a champion,” Chu said. “She’s willing to learn, work hard and put in that consistent effort every day in order to achieve that. I think she will have a really big impact on us offensively as she continues to develop as an all-around player.”
Chu said the opportunity Fecteau had being in a winning culture with the Titans definitely helped her to gain experience.
“She grew a lot during that time, going from her first to third year where she became captain,” Chu said. “The success is obviously something she’ll continue to bring with her. That’s also the fun part with our players, which is sharing together everything that we’ve gone through.”
Fecteau may have already practiced with the Stingers but will have to wait until Sept. 13 to play her first game at the university level. Chu is confident Fecteau will adapt well from collegiate to university hockey, as she said there is always an adjustment period.
“I’m not going to put any additional pressure on her to make sure she has to score and be a huge role for us,” Chu said. “What we ask all of our players is to come and be a great teammate, to be involved and have a team-first [attitude]. We know Fecteau has a great character, and will be able to contribute to our team’s culture.”
Earlier this month, Fecteau was named to Canada’s National Women’s Development Team to represent Canada in a three-game series against the United States. The forward said it was an amazing experience.
“I shed some tears when I knew I was named to the team,” Fecteau said. “The group of girls was really nice. It was fun to play with the best players in the competition. I [was obviously proud] to play with the Canadian team. It was incredible.”
Chu, who played at the international level several times and won Olympic Games and IIHF World Women’s Championships medals, said it’s “one of the greatest honours” to play for someone’s country.
“Even those who get an opportunity to go to a camp, but maybe not make an official team, that experience itself is valuable because you’re surrounded by elite athletes who understand what it takes to be at the highest level,” Chu said. “Every experience we get is something that helps us grow and develop as people and hopefully become better.”
Chu gave credit to Fecteau for her nomination to Canada’s National Women’s Development Team, as only 24 players were selected to the team.
“Fecteau did an incredible job,” Chu said. “She did not just work this summer, but she earned the right for the invitation with her last year [with the Titans]. She’s been doing a great job with her summer training to be prepared for the opportunity. I was really excited she was able to earn a spot in the roster, and knowing that she’s a huge and awesome ambassador for our team as well.”
Fecteau said she is looking forward to this season. She described herself as a hard-working player with good vision, and she hopes to help the Stingers to have success in the quest of many titles.
“I can’t wait to play with the Stingers,” Fecteau said. “I hope I can bring the winning touch [to] Concordia. I’m looking forward to playing with that group of players here. I hope we’ll have a good season and win a lot of championships.”
Photos courtesy of Limoilou Titans
