FAIRFIELD McKenna Remillard grew up on the ice at Collins Perley, playing youth hockey with SASA before joining the Comets.<\/p>\n
After graduating from BFA St. Albans in 2019, Remillard enrolled at the University of New England and joined the Noreasters womens hockey team.<\/p>\n
This year, Remillard, a sophomore, and her teammates are undergoing the new normal in COVID times.<\/p>\n
I try to look at the positives. Even though I havent had a normal season, Ive developed different connections in the smaller groups, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
Its easy to focus on whats been taken away, but its better to focus on what weve been able to learn and take away from these experiences.<\/p>\n
Ive grown a lot in these times. Its helped me focus on how I can improve physically and mentally. If you can overcome adversity, it shows you how powerful you are.<\/p>\n
The pandemic has shaped our perspective. Life moves fast; this slows things down and helps you to focus on your priorities and reflect on whats important. The power of positive thinking can really help change your perspective.<\/p>\n
Last year, the Noreasters were 16-9-2 on the season and earned a trip to the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship for the first time in school history, losing 4-1 to Endicott.<\/p>\n
It was nice to make school history, and I thought we came out in good spirits. I had an amazing experience and great coaches and teammates, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
What did Remillard take away from the winning season?<\/p>\n
I tended to overthink last year. I didnt want to let my team down, and I was hesitant, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
I learned a lot of important lessons last year, and I came back this year ready to apply them. I was thoroughly happy with my choice and I love my team.<\/p>\n
Remillard made new friends last year, including a former Franklin County player, Shannon Nadeau. She also faced off against her lifelong friend, Peyton Dukas.<\/p>\n
Wed be in the locker room, and Shannon would say something about a place in Vermont; I would know exactly what shes talking about, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
I highly respect Shannon as a person and a player. Ill be sad when she graduates next year.<\/p>\n
McKenna Remillard and Peyton Dukas, now of separate college teams, take a photo together during the college season.<\/p>\n
Dukas, who plays for the University of Southern Maine, was a teammate of Remillards on the Comets and a lifelong friend.<\/p>\n
It was very exciting to play against her. When we played them last year, I heard her name called and wanted to cheer for her, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
We wanted to do the best against each other, but in our minds, we were rooting for each other.<\/p>\n
Ive appreciated that we have the desire to see each other succeed and grow in our different experiences.<\/p>\n
McKenna Remillard takes the puck down the ice at UNE in her freshman season.<\/p>\n
Did you reach any personal goals in the 2019-20 season?<\/p>\n
I made really good friendships, and it was nice to form my own identity going to school and to have so many great people who were there to help me as I adjusted, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
It was great to connect with people on a deeper level for the success of the team.<\/p>\n
What are your goals for 2021?<\/p>\n
My goal has been not to lose touch but to get to know my teammates within the COVID guidelines, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
Ive focused on myself athletically and mentally, but also on my teammates to maintain the bonds.<\/p>\n
Our coaches have helped us improve at the individual level, and weve made even better connections with the coaching staff.<\/p>\n
Remillard, a nursing student, puts her skills to work at Northwestern Medical Center on college breaks.<\/p>\n
Working in the emergency department has reassured me that Ive chosen the right career. I love the people and the job, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
Its been helpful in the classroom as well. Its given me a good foundation.<\/p>\n
McKenna Remillard and Peyton Dukas pose for a victory shot after winning the DI State Title with the Comets in 2018.<\/p>\n
\"I learned (with the Comets) to focus on relationships and on what I can control: attitude, effort, and perception. I've taken those lessons throughout my life and worked on growing in those areas.\"<\/p>\n
McKenna Remillard<\/p>\n
How did athletics prepare you for the career youre pursuing?<\/p>\n
Playing for Coach (Luke) Cioffi and (Jeff) Rouleau (Comet hockey), I learned we had a goal of winning, but we also learned about life, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
I learned to focus on relationships and on what I can control: attitude, effort, and perception. Ive taken those lessons throughout my life and worked on growing in those areas.<\/p>\n
What should younger athletes focus on if they want to play sports in college?<\/p>\n
Focus on balance; theres a balance of not working so hard that you get run down, but you always want to be growing, said Remillard.<\/p>\n
Work on building confidence in yourself and your team. Understand that you are capable and dont doubt yourself.<\/p>\n
Have a positive attitude. It can change the whole experience and really affect people. Focusing on those things will help you reach the next level athletically and as a person.<\/p>\n
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Read the rest here: <\/p>\n
From Northwestern Medical Center to the University of New England, McKenna Remillard brings her best - St. Albans Messenger<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FAIRFIELD McKenna Remillard grew up on the ice at Collins Perley, playing youth hockey with SASA before joining the Comets. After graduating from BFA St Continue reading