PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Winterhawks made history in May by selecting 15-year-old Morgan Stickney of California in the Western Hockey League draft, and now the goalie is making her first practice appearance with the team. Stickney is the first-ever American girl drafted by a WHL team.
The high school sophomore was introduced to media at a press conference on Thursday and skated with the team on Friday. She expressed excitement going into her first practice.
"I'm super excited to see how being in the WHL would be, I'm excited to see all of the players and how they do their practices," she said.
Stickney grew up attending Winterhawks games with her family, and said she had always hoped that one day she could take the ice as a member of the team.
"It was always in the back of my mind, like that would so cool to play for them one day," she said.
It's been a busy year for Stickney, who has made numerous television appearances after being selected in the draft, including an appearance on Good Morning America. She attends the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary's Hockey Center of Excellence in Minnesota, and just won a state championship with her high school team in October.
Stickney said she's looking forward to taking the ice with the Winterhawks and hopes to quickly adjust to the WHL game.
"I think I'm going to try and absorb the speed, if I can handle this speed then I can handle anything in girls hockey for the rest of the season," she said.
In the long run, Stickney said she hopes she can rise even higher, and one day represent the United States in the Winter Olympics.