Carly O'Connor Steps up to Mentor

March, 2025

Competitive! Energetic! Determined! These words describe #22 on Nepean’s U22 team - Carly OConnor. In recent months Carly has been sharing her time and talents by volunteering on-ice with younger Wildcats teams as a Mentor within NGHA’s Mentorship Pilot. The Pilot, new to the Association this season, kicked off in late 2024 amongst a small group of teams. The hope is that it can grow in time to reach additional teams. NGHA is well-positioned to build off of the Pilot’s successes with the leadership and engagement of players like Carly. 

Carly’s love of hockey was shaped by her parents and brother. She sees that they have always been passionate about the game. They introduced her to the sport and have become her biggest supporters, including during her favourite hockey memory - competing as part of Team Ontario Blue at the 2024 U18 Women's National Championships in New Brunswick.  

Speaking of family, when asked what it means to be a Wildcat, Carly responded that “Being a Wildcat is so special because everyone is like family and we all know we have each others backs no matter what. Everyone is so kind and they make going to the rink fun and feel like home”.

Carly is now playing a part in creating a fun and welcoming environment for younger teams. She mentors because she wants to help younger girls achieve their goals. Thinking back to when she was younger, she loved having older girls out to support her and her teammates. It is for this reason that she wants to give back and do the same for the young Wildcats. What is inspiring about her mentorship experience is that Carly is also learning from the younger players. She sees that the younger girls are “all so motivated and determined, and always come to practice with a smile on their face”.  

Carly, your efforts are bringing a smile to many faces! Thank you for your generosity.