The “Rhyah Show” was a spectacle in Sydney on Friday night, as the Cape Breton Eagles witnessed the debut performance of the first female player in franchise history. Rhyah Stewart, a 16-year-old goaltender from Antigonish, N.S., impressed the crowd by stopping all 24 shots in just 30 minutes during a pre-season game against the Moncton Wildcats. This makes her the first female player from the Maritimes to play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Her outstanding performance earned her a standing ovation from the fans at the Centre 200.
Rhyah Stewart, who recently participated in Team Canada’s U-18 women’s team shut-out victory against the U.S.A., left the ice with a perfect record halfway through the second period. Despite her incredible performance, the Eagles ultimately lost the game 5-3. In an interview with Global News, Stewart expressed her honor and excitement at being a part of the Eagles’ training camp and described how she is quickly adapting to the speed of play in the QMJHL.
“This is something I’ve always aimed for, but I never knew if I could achieve it,” said Stewart. Scott Gouthro, the goalie advisor for the Eagles, commended her seamless transition into the team after returning from her stint with Hockey Canada, emphasizing that she truly deserves to be at the training camp. Stewart’s appearance in the game has only added her to an exclusive list of three women who have made appearances in the QMJHL.
Louis Robitaille, the head coach for the Eagles, remarked that Stewart has not looked out of place during training and has been welcomed by her teammates. He expressed his belief in giving opportunities based on merit rather than gender, stating, “For me, it’s not about boys, girls…it’s to make sure you have the chance if you deserve it, and she does. We felt as an organization that she deserved a shot to be here.”
The Eagles will have one last chance to face off against the Wildcats in the pre-season when they travel to the Avenir Centre in Moncton on September 8. Stewart’s historic debut has undoubtedly made a lasting impact and has inspired fans and players alike.
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