For the Edmonton Wolves, a recent international hockey trip was about far more than wins, losses, or time on the ice. It was a journey that brought together sport, culture, and connection, creating memories that will last long after the final buzzer sounds on their minor hockey careers.
With a large 2004 born group set to age out of junior next season, the team knew they wanted to do something meaningful before closing this chapter together. Through months of planning led by head coach Bryan Toles, that vision became reality. Over ten unforgettable days, the Wolves travelled through Finland, Sweden, and Estonia, competing in international games while immersing themselves in the global hockey community.
“What made this trip so meaningful though, wasn’t just the hockey games,” said team captain Rory Bothwell, “it was the connections made along the way, and the lifelong memories that we can hold onto for years after our hockey careers come to an end. This trip allowed us to be more than just teammates. For those 10 days, we truly did work as a family; sharing meals, rooms, and of course making fun of each other in good spirits as sibling and families do”.
On the ice, the Wolves were challenged in ways few teams experience. Competing against fast, skilled European opponents on larger international ice surfaces pushed players to adapt quickly. Differences in rules, physicality, and pace forced the team out of their comfort zone and into new levels of growth.
“One of the biggest highlights was playing against Finnish and Swedish teams who play with so much pace and structure,” said assistant coach Jenna MacLean. “The players had to adjust quickly, and those learning moments were invaluable.”
Beyond the games themselves, the Wolves were welcomed warmly by host communities in Helsinki, Järna, and Gävle, proudly representing Edmonton and Alberta on an international stage. Post game meals with opposing teams became moments of cultural exchange, where players shared stories and learned about what female hockey looks like in other parts of the world.
Off the ice, the experience tested the team’s mental toughness just as much as their physical skills. Long days of travel, sightseeing, and cultural exploration required players to balance excitement with preparation, something far different from their familiar routines back home.
“It forced us to really focus on our mental toughness. After spending all day exploring and trying to fit in as much as we could in the short time we were in each country, it took a lot to stay game ready,” said Bothwell. “Our biggest takeaway was that it taught us the importance of mental and physical perseverance, which will come in handy during playoff season”.
Most importantly, the trip highlighted the broader impact of opportunities like this within female hockey. Exposure to international play opens doors, inspires future aspirations, and shows young athletes what is possible.
“It was incredible to see how developed female hockey is in Scandinavia,” Bothwell said. “It showed us how much the women’s game continues to grow globally”.
The team attended an SDHL professional women’s game following their matchup against Brynäs SK. Experiencing a packed arena, professional atmosphere, and visible investment in women’s hockey left a lasting impression on players and coaches alike.
“Some of our players dream of playing professionally in Europe one day,” said MacLean. “Being immersed in that environment helps them visualize those pathways”.
For the Wolves and younger players reading this story, this trip was proof that hockey can take you anywhere. While the game brought them together, it was the bonds formed, the lessons learned, and the shared experiences that truly defined the journey.
As Bothwell reflected, “These memories won’t just last the rest of the season, they’ll last a lifetime”.
