‘Like the sun on a rainy day’

Isla Taylor is 10 years old and attends Sansome School in Westwood.

“My favorite class is gym,” she said. “My teacher, Ms. Paul, makes the day exciting and I love seeing my friends, doing sports council, and being a patrol.”

Isla loves school and she also really, really likes sports.

“I play hockey, swimming, tennis, golf, softball, and handball and I want to start ultimate and volleyball next,” she said.

“I am most focused on hockey. I am a goalie and I love playing because I get to play with a great group of girls. I love playing in games because I am the only goalie on my team and I get to play every game.”

Isla plays for the St. James Rockets U11 A1 team. She explained that her coaches and teammates really help make hockey enjoyable.

“Coach Ty, Coach Tracey, and Coach Matt have been my coaches for two seasons now and I really love them as my coaches. They are always positive and upbeat, even when we have a hard game,” she said.

“Coach Curtis is new to me this year, but he’s always there to give me tips and is very helpful. My teammates are always loud and laughing and it makes it super-fun to play with them and makes us a better team because we’ve gotten to know each other so well so fast.”

Isla lives in St. James with her mom Amanda and sister Emmary. Her dad Brad passed away in July from lymphoma and her team took part in a Hockey Fights Cancer game on Nov. 16.

“Our game a few Sundays ago was extra special to me,” Isla said. “Seeing all the people that came out, and the Polar Bears gave us such a special card.

“A shoutout to my parents would be to my Dad for allowing me to be a goalie, even though when I told him I wanted to be a goalie, he spit out his coffee all over my dog. He was in such shock.”

Isla’s coach Ty had this to say:

“Isla is a resilient, positive, and hard-working young lady. She is the heart and soul of our team, and it was extremely heartwarming seeing our players and families as well as our friends on the Polar Bears support Isla and a fantastic cause with the Hockey Fights Cancer game,” he said.

“The girls raised $600 to donate to CancerCare Manitoba in Isla’s dad’s name. He would be very proud.”

Isla’s ultimate dream with hockey is “to make it to the PWHL one day, like Kristen Campbel,l and maybe play for the Toronto Sceptres.”

We are all cheering for you, Isla!

Isla had this advice for other athletes, but I think it works for all of us:

“Make sure to always be positive, even in all the tough times. Like the sun on a rainy day.”