FOUR FOR MANITOBA

Balmoral Hall Blazers head coach Sarah Zacharias has always been a huge supporter of diversity in her lineup. Just like Balmoral Hall School itself, a diverse student population makes everyone a better person and a much better teammate. That’s one of many reasons why Zacharias is so proud of the Blazers’ players who represent the province every year at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship. Most years, three or four Blazers players suit up for provincial female team head coach Dale Bear and this year will be no exception. There will be four Blazers competing for Team Manitoba at the NAHC, May 7-13, at the Seven Oaks Sportsplex in Winnipeg – Braya Kapusta, Ella Stewner, Anya Misner and her sister, Linnea Misner. “We love sending the girls to this event,” said Zacharias. “It’s a big part of our program. I’m very proud that BH sends a handful of players to this tournament. And while these girls at the NAHC are there to compete, a lot more of it is about making friendships with players from other provinces and the cultural component is obviously huge. “For us to have a representation from BH every year is an honour and for these guys as well, and we’re very proud of all of them.” Braya Kapusta is a 14-year-old Grade 9 student at BH who has three years of eligibility remaining with Aboriginal Team Manitoba. She’s one of the youngest on the 2023 team and made it this year after she was let go last season. “I tried out last and I didn’t make it,” she explained. “But I played for Balmoral Hall this year and I would say I got much better.” Kapusta was five when she started playing boys’ hockey in Lorette. She played with the Lorette Comets’ boys until she reached Atom and then started playing girls’ hockey in St. Vital. Last fall, she entered BH and is one of the few Grade 9 players in the Junior Women’s Hockey League. “Balmoral Hall is really fun,” said this speedy playmaking forward who will play on the wing for Team Manitoba. “I love travelling and the team is so close. It’s fun being with BH.” Meanwhile, Stewner and the Misner sisters will be back for their second trips to the NAHC. All three played for Manitoba’s gold medal-winning women’s team last year. Stewner, 18, is a former member of the AA Predators who hails from East St. Paul. In February/March, she played on Manitoba’s Canada Winter Games team and will attend the University of Alberta next season. “This will be my second year with Team Manitoba at the NAHC,” she said. “Last year was my first year and I guess I’m already a winner. I love playing on this team. It’s a really great way to feel connected to a different part of who I am. The staff is really great. They are super supportive and they want it to be the best, most fun experience of our hockey that season. They do a really good job executing that. On top of that, you get to play with a bunch of players that you don’t get the opportunity to play with. It’s a really fun experience and I’m grateful that Katie (Bassett) and Dana (Goertzen) encouraged me to join the team.” Anya Misner, 18, is completing her third year with the Blazers after playing a season as an age-advanced player with the U18 Eastman AAA Selects. Another member of the province’s 2023 Canada Games team, Anya will attend Carleton University in the fall. “I’m really excited about playing in the NAHC and I’m even more excited because it’s in Winnipeg this year,” she said. “It’s going to be a good time and my family and friends are excited that they get to watch. It’s going to be good. As defending champions, hopefully we can pull it out again this year.” Anya’s younger sister, Linnea, will also make her second appearance for Team Manitoba at the NAHC. She’s a Grade 10 student at BH who said her first year at the school “has been amazing.” She’s excited to suit up for Team Manitoba again. “I’m super thrilled to be back, I’m so excited,” she said. “Last year was such a great experience to represent my heritage and it was so cool to win the gold medal.”