That’s the opinion of Sami Jo Small, gold-medal winning Olympian and the Chiefs’ goaltender who has played with those iconic figures.

“Sommer is an intense leader who strives for excellence in her play and is never satisfied with mediocrity. She pushes her teammates to be better through her effort, her commitment and her drive to be the best,” says Small. “She's one of the best teammates I've ever had.”

According to Small, West is also one of the best female hockey players she’s ever played with. West is an exceptional two-way player who sees the ice and sacrifices herself by blocking shots or making the unsung play to set up her teammates. At 5’8”, West is able to use her size and strength to her team’s advantage without making too many trips to the box. For years, she has led the league in points along with Team Canada players who also play in the CWHL.

It’s clear that West gives her hockey career and her role as captain the respect and dedication it merits.

The passionate player has driven over an hour each way for every game and practice for 15 years. She’s the Chiefs’ resident skate sharpener and runs practices when the coach is away.

“I'm the 'C' of my team so I believe I have to lead my team every time we are on the ice. I need to be leader in all areas for my team,” says West. “I’ve also worked hard on learning the game on and off the ice. I don't think you should ever stop working hard on your game.”

West started her hockey career at five years old in Orono, Ontario, where she played with the boys. She never wanted to get off the ice and knew deep down that she would take her career all the way.

West played for Team Canada’s Under-18 team as well as the Under-22 team. She has played in the Olympics, however not on the ice. West represented Canada in softball at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Mississauga teammate Small thinks West should have played on Team Canada in the Winter Olympics, too.

“In my opinion Team Canada passed up one of the best thinking players in the world when they omitted her from their roster,” says Small. “She has proven year after year while playing with and against some of the best players in the world that she is deserving of that honour. Sommer is a player that every teammate dreams of playing with because of her vision and her ability to make everyone on the ice better.”

 
“What’s underneath the equipment” is a weekly profile of a CWHL athlete written by Anne Douglas (www.herhockeyonline.com).