The Professional Women’s Hockey League is drawing attention as it gears up for its first games. The league has attracted players from various backgrounds, but for two hockey stars from St. Thomas, this is a dream come true. Brittany Howard and Lexie Adzija are making their marks in the league. Brittany plays forward for Toronto’s team while Lexie plays forward for Ottawa’s team. It’s an exciting time for them and for women’s hockey in general.
CBC’s Travis Dolynny had the pleasure of speaking with Lexie Adzija about her experiences and hopes for the future. Lexie commented, “It’s still pretty surreal. I don’t think it even hit me at all until I actually got to Ottawa.” She continued, “A year ago I didn’t think it would be possible to get paid to play the sport I love. So, just really surreal, but so grateful to have this opportunity.”
Lexie’s love for hockey has been a lifelong affair. She’s been playing since she was four years old, and now at the age of 23, she’s living out her dreams. She expressed her gratitude for being part of a league where she is able to compete alongside the top 150 players in the world. Lexie’s journey has been a challenging one, especially after an injury that affected her senior college season. However, her determination and hard work have paid off, and now she’s ready to make her mark on this prestigious stage.
Lexie also spoke about the high energy and excitement at the practices. “I think everybody’s in a similar boat to me where we’re just also grateful and excited to be here — and feeling so, so lucky to be here that the energy is so high. Everyone’s happy.” It’s evident that the league is not just about competing but also about inspiring young girls to dream big. Lexie mentioned, “I’m just super grateful to have it and to be a role model for young girls, and give them something to dream about. I think that is the most special thing for me.”
When asked what advice she would give to young girls chasing their hockey dreams, Lexie encouraged them to recognize that they have a professional league to aspire to and emphasized the importance of hard work and self-belief. Her message is clear – anything is achievable with dedication and determination.
Looking ahead, Lexie and the other players are getting ready for the challenge that lies ahead. As the league prepares for its inaugural season, the excitement is palpable. For young women like Lexie, this is a momentous occasion, one that marks the realization of a dream they’ve worked so hard for. The Professional Women’s Hockey League is not just about competition; it’s about empowerment, inspiration and setting a new standard for women in sports.