Every year (except for International Cup years) Canada and the US engage in a weekend of competition with each country sending a Womens and Mens national team and a Womens and Mens development team, alternating the location between countries every year. The Women's team the Northern Lights are coming off convincing wins against the USA Freedom in both Parallel Cup 2013 in Edmonton and the International Cup 2014 in Melbourne. The Women's development team, the Midnight Suns have also defeated the USA Liberty in consecutive years. With the stage set for both teams to try and win a third consecutive year, AFL Canada had lots of women vying for their chance to pull on that jumper.
This past weekend women from across Ontario and Quebec travelled down to Toronto to play a game of footy. This was the East selection game for women hoping to represent Canada down in Fort Lauderdale for the Parallel Cup. 3 players from the Wildcats had already been selected for the preliminary squad: returning Lights player, Danielle Comolli and new additions, Erika Scott and Jaclyn Halliday. 6 more Wildcats were hoping to make an impression and improve their chances of being selected: Emily Spicer, Emilie Corcoran, Joanna Rutkowski, Lia Vansevenant, Lise Kiefer and Elizabeth Krock.
The game pitted players from Ottawa and Quebec against the AFL Ontario players from the Central Blues, High Park Demons, Etobicoke Roos and Hamilton Wildcats. With the rain coming down steadily all day, it was perfect Wildcat weather! The wet weather made it more difficult to see some skills but definitely offered an opportunity for those players to show the coaches who would offer a contest in such difficult conditions. The game ended with Ottawa/Montreal pulling out a narrow win. Both goals on the 'Ontario' team were scored by Wildcats, Jackie and Erika. With great play from all the Wildcat players, it was definitely a testament to the success of the Hamilton club to see so many Wildcats eager to compete for a spot.
The final team was selected and announced this past weekend. Congratulations to the 6 players from Hamilton who are selected: Danielle Comolli, Erika Scott, Jacklyn Halliday, Joanna Rutkowski, Lia Vansevenant, and Lise Kiefer. As well, Emily Spicer was named as an alternate. The final selection for who will be on the Northern Lights and the Midnight Suns will be announced in a couple of weeks. Also congratulations to our other two rookies Elizabeth Krock and Emilie Corcoran who made a strong showing in the game and despite not being selected, have definitely put themselves in the mix for future consideration. The Wilcats continue another strong showing on the national team!
Last Modified on 30/06/2015 12:03