From Moncton To The Pros, Stephanie Bourque Eyes Historic PWHL Opportunity
Stephanie Bourque leaves Union College as a record-setting defender, now chasing a PWHL opportunity that could make her a trailblazer for New Brunswick hockey.
Each step along her journey has prepared defender Stephanie Bourque for this next chapter in an already successful hockey career.
Bourque, a native of Moncton, New Brunswick, has finished a standout collegiate career at Union College, where she became the program’s all-time points and assists leader among defenders and set an ironwoman streak by playing in 141 consecutive games.
Now that she has graduated, with a Psychology major in hand, her eyes are set on making the jump to professional hockey.
“I think it’s kind of just treating it like any other big milestone,” Bourque said. “I’m just going to control what I can. So that’s just doing the daily things, the little things every day that put me in the best frame of mind and put me in the best physical shape to achieve that dream one day.”
If she were to hear her name called on Draft night, Bourque would become the first defender from New Brunswick to suit up in the PWHL, and only the second player ever to play a game in the league following forward Sarah Bujold. While she doesn’t feel pressure about the possibility of holding that mantle, doing so would mean a lot and reflect the support she’s had along the way.
“Being from Moncton and New Brunswick gave me the love for the game,” Bourque said. “So I think being able to achieve that dream, not just for myself, but for all my teammates and coaches and my family who have been supporting me throughout my journey.”
Bourque also coaches youth hockey back home in the summers, and she hears from young girls who want to play in the PWHL one day. Knowing that is an inspiration and provides fuel to achieve this next milestone.
“I couldn’t look up and say that I’m going to play professionally in the PWHL,” said Bourque. “So to be able to see someone achieve that dream, being from Moncton, will show them that no matter where you’re from, everyone has a different path to success, but it is doable, and it’s very much achievable.”
Regardless of where this next chapter of hockey takes Stephanie Bourque, she has the foundation to succeed and the inspiration of those young girls back home who will be cheering her on when the spotlight shines brightly on the next generation of PWHL stars.