|
<-- back Erika Vanderveer, Burlington Barracudas To be effective, goaltenders need to be mentally tough and Erika Vanderveer is no exception. She loves a challenge, whether it’s putting herself on the line in the net for the Burlington Barracudas or literally living on the edge as an avid rock climber who has tackled some of the world’s most treacherous climbs. “I’ve traveled to many places around the world to climb various famous walls and mountains,” says Vanderveer. “I’ve been to the Alps; Kalymnos, Greece; Portrero Chico, Mexico; Red Rocks, Nevada; and some day, quite possibly Mount Everest!” Vanderveer’s fearless globetrotting also included playing for an Austrian women’s team, the Salzburg Ravens. Even her career as a designer for hockey’s print media authority, The Hockey News, is consistent with her adventurous and passionate spirit. Vanderveer says she’s worked hard to develop her that psychological strength. “My game has come a long way over the 20 years I have been playing but the biggest part that I have had to focus on is my mental game.” Vanderveer started playing hockey at five years old, when she played house league in her hometown of Bradford, Ontario. After a few years, she made the boys’ rep team. As a teenager, she switched to girls’ hockey to pursue scholarship opportunities. She played with the Aurora Panthers for several years and then the Mississauga Jr. Chiefs. She then achieved a full scholarship to Ohio State University. After graduating from Ohio State, Vanderveer played for The Salzburg Ravens in Austria. The Ravens, with Vanderveer between the pipes, went on to win silver at the Austrian championships. Now, as the goaltender for the Barracudas, her team relies on her personal strength and athletic prowess. “Erika is a vital part of Burlingtons success; she plays and practices very hard. She has the ability to change games as she makes big saves to keep you in games,” says Pat Cocklin, Burlington’s coach. “Last season in the playoffs she took Montreal to overtime in the semi-finals. Erika will be called upon again to help Burlington reach our ultimate goal of winning the Clarkson Cup.” Teammates say that Vanderveer is a very focused player and works hard on and off the ice. She is also a great supporter of the CWHL, helping to organize fundraisers and events. “It is great to be a part of history in the making, to be a member of the CWHL, the most elite women’s hockey league in the world,” says Vanderveer. “This is just the beginning of something so great for women’s hockey.”
|
|