Not only Caitlin Kraemer caught the eye at the women’s U18 World Championship. The event’s MVP was not a Canadian or an American, but a 14-year-old Slovakian.
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Everyone wanted to see Nela Lopusanova, with nine goals and 12 points in five games. She has participated in no less than 71% of the networks in her country.
“I didn’t get a chance to see them play but we got to see them warming up before one of their games while waiting for our bus. She really looks like an extraordinary young girl and I’m sure she has a bright future ahead of her,” said Quebec forward Éloïse Caron.
Competing against 16- and 17-year-old athletes, the young sensation also turned heads when she became the first woman to score a spectacular “Michigan” (carrying the puck on her racquet before it dropped into the net). a showcased tournament of the International Ice Hockey Federation.
“She has good hands and good skills. [habiletés], it was really fun to watch. We really wanted to see it,” says Caron.
On the way to university and Olympia
Caron, who didn’t sleep with her medal at the U18 World Cup for fear of breaking it, now wants to win with the Cégep Limoilou Titans, continue her progress with the national development team and she can’t stop thinking about the Olympics.
“Oh yes, that’s for sure! Especially after getting gold in Sweden, a magical experience. The Olympics are always on your mind. »
Before her dream can come true, the humanities graduate has to decide whether she wants to go to a university in Quebec or in the USA.
“Several universities have already written to me. I’m starting to watch that. It’s a bit stressful because it’s a decision that will define five years of my life. I don’t know if I want to stay close to my family or live the American dream,” admits the one who played with the boys until the age of 12.
A busy life
Despite a busy schedule, Caron finds time for some extras, notably in the film Junior Major and the series Tout la vie and Transplanté.
“I also attended training sessions with Inouk de Granby for young girls who were starting out in hockey [avec qui évolue son frère Alexandre dans le junior AAA]. I try to get involved to pass it on. I enjoy being a coach, there is a different vision of hockey. »