By Jeff D'Andrea

Former AA Fox receives scholarship

Feb 19, 2018 | 7:30 AM

Cassandra Rybinski started going to the rink as a figure skater as a youngster but quickly found hockey was the way to go. 

Saturday, Rybinski was awarded the annual Female Scholarship by Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association and the Prince Albert Foxes Hockey program.

She’s currently in her second year of nursing at the Prince Albert University of Saskatchewan campus. Although schooling takes a lot of her time, Rybinski still manages to play rec league hockey.

“I started hockey when I was seven years old. I was actually a figure skater and then my twin brother Brett joined hockey. I went to his first practice, and after that, I just loved the game,” Rybinski said. “I told my parents I wanted to switch my figure skates to hockey skates. Since then I’ve played every year.

“Hockey is very important, it was my escape from all my stress and worries,” added Rybinski. “I’d come to the rink and all that would seem to disappear. I just focus on the game and enjoy every moment of it.”

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Growing up playing in the Kinistino Tigers and Melfort Mustangs minor hockey programs, Rybinski was one of the only females on her team. She eventually came to Prince Albert and joined the all-girls AA Foxes program.

“Eventually I wanted to play with more girls so I came to P.A. and I played in Grade 10 and Grade 12,” Rybinski said. “Those are definitely my most favourite and most memorable years of hockey.”

As much as she loves the sport, Rybinski’s fondest memories of hockey don’t actually involve the game itself, but the people around it. Rybinski’s mother would often take some of the intellectually disabled residents from her group home to the rink. Playing in front of them and seeing them light up was a big joy for Rybinski.

“She’d make sure they had leather gloves so they’d be the loudest clappers at the rink,” Rybinski said. “I just love seeing their smiles on their face when they get in the community and come watch the sport. That was great.”

Rybinski has advice for youngsters out there curious and interested about hockey; give it a shot.

“I’d just like to inspire any young girls that are thinking about joining the sport to go for it,” Rybinski said. “You’ll learn so many lessons that will carry on for the rest of your life. I learned skills such as confidence and teamwork and bravery.”

— With files from Tyler Marr

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW