Valkyries defensive stalwart Paetsch logs her first career CWHL goal
For a world-class athlete like Julie Paetsch, there truly is no off-season. After having helped the Saskatoon Valkyries to an unprecedented third straight WWCFL title, she would proudly don the Canadian jersey for the IFAF Womenās Worlds. As part of a bold silver-medal effort, Paetsch was also named Canadaās Player of the Game in the Gold Medal contest.
While the gridiron glories are complete for 2013, Paetsch is now gracing the frozen perimeters of the Canadian Womenās Hockey League. Selected in the tenth round (46th overall) of the 2013 CWHL Draft by the Calgary Inferno, she would make Canadian sporting history.
As the first player in WWCFL history selected in the CWHL Draft, it marked a unique milestone in her storied career. Ironically, Foothills Outlawz competitor Georgia Moore would become the second WWCFL player selected in the CWHL Draft. Nabbed by the Inferno as well, thirteenth round (61st overall)
Her long-awaited CWHL Debut would come on November 9 at Torontoās Mastercard Centre (practice facility of the NHLās Toronto Maple Leafs). Donning number 16 (her traditional number 8 was being used by Jessica Wong, the first overall pick in the 2013 CWHL Draft), it marked the next stage of her athletic journey. Competing at the Toronto Furies, Paetsch and her teammates fell behind by a 3-0 tally after the first period.
While the second stanza resulted in a scoreless affair, the Inferno would break through in the final frame. At the 5:47 mark, Paetsch would log an unassisted tally to put the Inferno on the board. Although it was her first career CWHL goal, it was made special for two other reasons. Said goal was the first goal of the season for the Calgary Inferno. Standing between the pipes for the Furies when the goal was scored was former Canadian national team member and Winter Games gold medalist Sami Jo Small.
Although the Inferno would lose by a 3-2 tally, Paetschās debut was the highlight of the game for the franchise. As a former scoring champion in the Canada West Womenās Hockey Conference as a member of the Saskatchewan Huskies, Paetsch has shown that she has not lost her scoring touch. With an Inferno franchise looking for their first postseason berth, Paetsch may emerge as the deciding factor.
Photo credit: Hockey Media Inc., Obtained from:Ā http://www.flickr.com/photos/hockeymedia/sets/72157637555436625/
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