Leighton Geraghty – Contributor

Bishop’s University is home to nearly 3000 students. Many share similar interests, but there is not one student like the other. Everyone is completely individual. This week I put the spotlight on Ericka Gagnon, the junior netminder on the Gaiters Women’s Hockey Team. Gagnon is used to the spotlight, as the starting goalie of the team she was able to win an RSEQ and USports Championship last season. On the ice she is a warrior, competitor and most of all, a brick wall in between the pipes. In this spotlight, I was able to dive into who Ericka Gagnon really is. 

While speaking with Ericka, it was very apparent that hockey is a big part of her life. This led to my first question to her: How has hockey shaped you into the person you are today? 

“Hockey has taught me discipline, the importance of hard work, and resilience. It has helped me learn more about who I am as a person and which values I want to focus on in my life. Hockey comes with many setbacks and a lot of pressure, and it has taught me how to handle those challenges and be my best self when it matters most. Hockey has also helped me greatly with self-confidence. I have learned different ways to be confident without relying on outside attention or validation. Being part of a team has shaped my leadership skills and taught me accountability, knowing that my effort affects not just me, but everyone around me. Hockey has shaped me into who I am today, and I am very grateful for all the opportunities the sport has opened up for me.”

A true leader to her teammates and a player in which they can rely on heavily. She was called upon in every single playoff and national tournament game. Posting a .970 save percentage in must win game two in the series against Concordia followed by a winning .903 save percentage the next day to win the RSEQ. What may give her an advantage over everyone else is her mental game. Being a goalie she requires much more than just being physically present. So how does she mentally prepare to step into the blue paint? 

“Being a goalie, mental preparation is extremely important to me. I believe that at the elite level, what separates good players from the best is the strength of their mental game. My mental preparation begins the week before games. I know I feel most confident when I’ve done everything right in practice and training, so I make sure to give 100% every day leading up to game day. I also make a conscious effort to keep having fun, even when facing the biggest challenges, because that’s when I perform at my best. Journaling two to three times a week helps me organize my thoughts, reflect, and better understand my emotions. I do have a few superstitions, the main ones being listening to Adele before every game and putting my left equipment on before my right. I’m still learning more about the mental side of the game every day, and I always try to grow and improve in that area.”

With the ongoing growth of women’s hockey in North America, possibilities for Gagnon to play professionally are very legitimate. She is one of the best goalies in the RSEQ and in USports as a whole, but the point of this interview was Ericka when she is not wearing the mask. The final question I asked was: Is your dream to play professional hockey or do you have another dream? 

“Playing professional hockey would certainly be amazing and is a goal I keep in the back of my mind. If the opportunity presents itself and it makes sense for me, it’s something I would love to pursue. However, my number one goal has always been to become a doctor. As passionate as I am about hockey, I truly believe that medicine is where I can make the greatest impact, and it would allow me to help people in a meaningful and lasting way. This summer, I made the decision to apply to medical school for next year, which is a step I am very excited and motivated about. It wasn’t an easy decision to make—hockey is extremely important to me, and with the possibility of playing professionally, it was something I had to seriously reflect on. Ultimately, hockey has helped shape who I am, but medicine is where I see myself making a difference beyond the rink.” 

Wherever her path leads next, Gagnon’s drive, discipline and leadership ensure that her impact will continue to be felt both on the ice and beyond it.