21 hours Ago By Matt Packwood
From Airdrie to Assiniboine, Ashley McCallum is making a mighty big bet. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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From Airdrie to Assiniboine, Ashley McCallum is making a mighty big bet. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? From Airdrie to Assiniboine, Ashley McCallum is making a mighty big bet. She’s confident the next step in her hockey career will be a good one, as the Alberta stand-out has signed to play with the Assiniboine College Cougars women’s hockey team starting in the fall.
It’s not that two provinces or the jump to college hockey will be that big of a transition, it’s that she signed with the Cougars sight unseen, having never been to Brandon before. Ashley McCallum is making the move to the college ranks with the Assiniboine Cougars after spending last season with Calgary Fire of Alberta’s U18 AAA league. (Submitted) She’s done her homework however and is very familiar with the program, the college, and the city of Brandon, and as such she’s throwing her chips in the middle, optimistic it will be the right move for her.
“I’ve never really been away from home for an extended time. Going to school and moving away is a big step. Most of all, I’m looking forward to playing with the team,” said McCallum.
The five-foot-10 forward with the Calgary Fire is coming off a big season in the U18 AAA Alberta Female Hockey League. She registered six points in 23 games, but her game quickly progressed after spending the two previous seasons with her hometown Airdrie Lightning in AA hockey. The jump to AAA paved the way to college hockey, as it led to an introduction to Cougars coach David Kirkup, and now she’s optimistic the advancement through competition leads to ample opportunity to continue growing with the next step.
“It was the team and how good of a coach he is,” McCallum said of the decision to move to a new province and level of hockey. “David has lots of experience, he’s been to many championships, and that combined with the Agribusiness program seems like it would be a good fit,” McCallum added, pointing to the team chemistry within the Cougars as a major motivating factor. “How everyone plays together.
It’s never been about one person taking control. It’s everyone stepping up and doing what they can. That and the head coach seems like a really good guy.
” She’ll also be in a unique spot, having never played with or against anyone on the team prior, whereas most on the team are from the Manitoba female hockey scene and at least somewhat familiar. The focus, much like her journey until now, will be one step at a time, starting with graduating from Airdrie’s George McDougall High School first. She also plans a visit to the Wheat City in the coming months so that it won’t be entirely brand new come September.
McCallum admits the unknowns of the jump are a bit nerve-wracking, but more exciting than anything. “Moving away from home for the first time is exciting. I look forward to getting to know everyone, and living by myself for the first time,” said McCallum.
“I’m very excited. I’ve heard the team is really good, so I’m excited for all of it.” » mpackwood@brandonsun.
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