Highlights from the gold medal game between Ontario Red and Quebec at the 2024 U-18 Canadian national championships. Danica Maynard with Team British Columbia at the 2024 U-18 Canadian National Championships [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwNjA3MTU2MjU5NDY1MDQx/danica-maynard.jpg] Danica Maynard with Team British Columbia at the 2024 U-18 Canadian National Championships Looking at the future of Canadian hockey, the U-18 National Championships in New Brunswick this week held new meaning. Not only were the prospects on hand set to jump to the NCAA and challenge for U-18 national team roster spots this year, but the tournament also served as a first look for the PWHL's future. Ontario Red took gold beating Quebec 1-0 [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/other-news/ontario-red-wins-gold-at-u-18-canadian-national-championships] in the final. Maxine Cimeroni was named tournament MVP, Marilou Grenier Top Goaltender, Danica Maynard Best Defender, Stryker Zablocki Top Forward, and Kate Manness Most Sportsmanlike, but they weren't the only notable performers from this week. Here's a look at the top performers from the 2024 U-18 women's Canadian National Championships. DANICA MAYNARD, D, 2007, BRITISH COLUMBIA Named the top defender at the tournament, Maynard danced around the ice displaying her elite mobility. She is one of the best skaters in the tournament and couples that with soft hands and excellent vision. In transition Maynard can rapidly turn the play up ice and draws pressure before dishing to open up space. Maynard has been well known as a member of RINK Academy, and is headed to Penn State in the NCAA next season, but the undersized blueliner just had her coming out party on a national scale. MARILOU GRENIER, G, 2007, QUEBEC Imagine this, another elite goaltender for Canada coming out of Quebec. Grenier quite simply stole games for Quebec. Alongside Saskatchewan's Ava Drabyk, who also had a stellar tournament, Grenier was the most worked and top performing goaltender. She battled for pucks, never quitting on a play, at times resulting in point blank diving saves, managed rebounds well, and challenged shooters. She's active out of her crease as well, an aspect of her game that as it continues to develop will serve her well at the next level. The Limoilou goalie hasn't made her NCAA plans known yet. ALIDA KORTE, F, 2008, SASKATCHEWAN Part of a strong Saskatchewan core, Korte flashed her goal scoring ability, and willingness to drive plays toward the net. Committed to Ohio State, Korte is a burgeoning force up front with RINK Academy. Some players have a knack for the net, some players work to earn their space, Korte does both. STRYKER ZABLOCKI, F, 2007, SASKATCHEWAN It's nearly impossible to slow Stryker Zablocki at this level. Playing this year for Bishop Kearney, Zablocki is explosive. She can elevate her game to match any competition, and her opening strides create separation against the strongest of skaters. Her real ability rests in the fact she can make create play, freeze defenders with a move, and use her quick release at any speed. She keeps opponents on high alert as she darts throughout the offensive zone, and is aggressive in pursuit. CALLIE RICE, F, 2007, BRITISH COLUMBIA After playing for Manitoba last year, Callie Rice jumped provinces to BC. Entering as a relative unknown who wasn't invited to Canada's U-18 selection camp, Rice put herself on the map at this event. She can find seams, make creative plays to open space for herself, and she has an excellent shot. After missing most of last season, Rice is a player who could surprise some as her development continues. MAXINE CIMERONI, F, 2007, ONTARIO RED Watching Team Ontario Red, the roster is so deep and talented, the best players often don't standout as much as on other teams. Cimeroni however, found ways to make her presence known on both sides of the puck. Alongside Molly Farace and Dorothy Copetti, Cimeroni was one of Ontario Red's top threats. She's an all around player, who will suit up for Ohio State next season. DOROTHY COPETTI, F, 2007, ONTARIO RED Copetti didn't make Canada's U-18 national team last season, but she may have punched her ticket to the U-18 Worlds this time around after leading the tournament in goals and tying for the lead in points with Callie Rice and Molly Farace. The Colgate commit uses her size well, getting to the front of the net and cleaning up lose pucks. Whether it's a tip, or a screen, or finding soft spots in the offensive zone, she's in a goal scorers position ready to pounce. As her foot speed continues to improve, the Durham West Lightning forward's game will take another big step. RENÉE BISHOP, F, 2007, QUEBEC Taking an unorthodox path playing with the Mid Fairfield Stars in Connecticut, Bishop has flown under Hockey Canada's radar. She was one of Quebec's top players alongside Rosalie Tremblay and Madison Lévesque up front, driving play forward for the low scoring Team Quebec. She plays a power forward style, unafraid to drive to the net. Bishop's biggest attribute at this tournament was her ability to rise to big moments and compete shift in and shift out. Bishop is a Cornell commit. MOLLY FARACE, F, 2007, ONTARIO RED Few have scored at the rates of Molly Farace over the past three seasons in the OWHL. A perennial leader in North America's top junior women's hockey league, Farace is like a magnet for the puck in the offensive zone. She found ways to get loose from checkers, and is equal parts playmaker and goal scorer. A fun player to watch offensively, Farace is elusive and hard to handle. Seeing how her play will translate against bigger and stronger players in the NCAA is the next challenge. ALEX THERIEN, D, 2007, ONTARIO RED Two of the top blueliners in this tournament take care of things in a calm and calculated manner. Therien and Ontario Red teammate Kate Viel (2008) are a duo to watch. Therien, who stands 5-foot-10 makes life difficult for opponents playing physical along the walls, and in the offensive zone she gets pucks through. In the neutral zone, she ends rushes by taking away time and space and using her reach to fill lanes. She's heading to the University of New Hampshire for her NCAA play, but will be a player feeling the push after her rookie season to jump to a nationally ranked program through the transfer portal. HONOURABLE MENTION: Rosalie Tremblay, Madison Lévesque, Halle Duchene, Molly Cole, Aurora Kahlert, Sofia Ismael, Hayley McDonald, Kate Manness, Caileigh Tiller, Ava Drabyk, Kolbee Ashe, Taya Lonsdale, Leah Wicks, Sade Sandilands, Anaïs Leprohon, Amelia Wilkinson, London McDavid, Petra Klimes.
