Jason La Rose
MÉLODIE DAOUST Position: Forward Hometown: Valleyfield, Que. Birthdate: January 7, 1992 Club Team: Canadiennes de Montréal (CWHL)
Road to Centralization 2001-02: Eperviers de St-Timothée (Novice A) 2002-03: Étoiles de Beauval (Atom BB) 2003-04: Unknown 2004-05: Étoiles de Beauval (Peewee AA) 2005-06: Étoiles de Beauval (Bantam BB) 2006-07: Étoiles de Beauval (Bantam AA) 2007-08: Patriotes du Lac St-Louis (Midget Espoir) 2008-09: Sélects du Lac St-Louis (Midget AA) 2009-11: Lynx du Collège Édouard-Montpetit (CEGEP) 2011-13: McGill University (CIS) 2013-14: Centralized for Olympics 2014-17: McGill University (CIS/U SPORTS)
Team Canada Experience International debut: January 5, 2009 vs. Switzerland Canada’s National Women’s Team (2011-16): 24GP 3G 4A 7P Canada’s National Women’s Development Team (2012-16): 12GP 9G 7A 16P Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team (2009-10): 13GP 10G 13A 23P
Olympic & World Championship Experience 2014 Olympic Winter Games – 5GP 1G 0A 1P (gold medal) 2010 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship – 5GP 4G 4A 8P (gold medal) 2009 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship – 5GP 6G 6A 12P (silver medal)
Who has played the biggest role in getting you to centralization? “There are a lot of people I could name; my strength coach, my sponsor (NRJ), my skill/skating coach, my teammates, my friends, etc. As an athlete, I feel extremely lucky to be surrounded by incredible people who help me achieving my dream. I would have to say that my family has been playing the biggest role throughout my entire career and are still there today. I am so thankful for all the sacrifices they have made for me throughout the years. They have always supported me and I am very thankful for that. I know I can always count on them in any situation.”
When did you decide you wanted to play for Team Canada? “From a very young age, I fell in love with the game. I was watching TV during the 2002 Olympics and I remember saying to my parents that one day, I wanted to be on TV and play for Team Canada at the Olympics. When I first got the call to play at the U18 world championship, I could not believe it. I was so excited! Since then, every time I have the chance to put on this amazing jersey I am so thankful to be able to play the sport that I love and represent my country. Being able to wear the jersey, surrounded by the best hockey players in Canada is quite an experience.”
What is the most important thing hockey has given you? “Hockey has giving me a second family. I am very grateful for the friendships I have built over the years. Each team I have been a part of has always been different and unforgettable. Being able to challenge each other every single day, and being able to work hard towards a same goal is very special. I would do anything for my 27 sisters!”