Posted: Feb 26, 2010
For Antigonish, they've had the opportunity to watch Katie Harvieux in nets for the X-Women for the past few seasons. One of the great X goaltenders of all time in both male and female competition, Katie has earned the respect of not only her coaches and teammates, but also the StFX community.
In her fifth year of eligibility, Harvieux has helped carry the X-Women to another playoff berth and hopefully to an AUS and CIS championship banner.
But before you can judge her on the ice and talk about all the great plays she makes, you need to learn a little bit about the girl behind the mask.
Mat MacDonald: Where did you get your start with hockey? What made you want to play/who?
Katie Harvieux: I grew up in a small town, very much like Antigonish in a sense that hockey was very popular. I started skating at the age of three but after one day of figure skating I knew it wasn't for me. A week later I strapped on the skates, following the lead of my older brother and my father. It all started from there!
MM: Is there anyone that you look up to?
KH: When I was young I was brainwashed by my father to cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs (which I still do to this day) so my first hero was Felix Potvin. I still wear number 29 after him! While growing up I didn't have a favorite player in particular. My parents played, and still play, a major part in my life. Their constant support has been the most inspiring thing for me.
MM: What's going to be the biggest test going late into the playoffs?
KH: The league has grown so much since I started five years ago. Any team can beat another on any given night so it's important that we put a full 60 minutes together. It is impossible to take a shift or two off, that's when other teams can capitalize.
MM: How has your time at X been?
KH: I couldn't have asked for a better place to spend my University days. The program here, on and off the ice, has helped me grow so much as a person. My coaches and teammates are my family away from home. I have never seen a school where people genuinely care so much about each other. Receiving my X-Ring was probably one of the best days in my life, too many great memories to name. Although I never really want to hang up my skates I am glad I am doing it here, I wouldn't have it any other way! It's been a great five years.
MM: What are things that people wouldn't know about you?
KH: I am very superstitious, as I suppose most goalies are. I do the same thing after every face-off in my end and a completely different routine when the face-off is in the other end. I warm up the exact same way every game day and I also can't warm up without a piece of HUBBA BUBBA! It's tradition.
MM: What's the team been like this year?
KH: The year started off a little different than usual. We have 11 rookies and were only use to taking about four or five. The team is full of different personalities which make for a funny locker room experience. We've really come together these last few months as a team off the ice and it has reflected our performance on the ice. Our rookies are all settling in and have found themselves key roles on the team. We have a good balance of experience and energy and are really looking forward to playoffs.
MM: Why did you decided to be a goaltender?
KH: I actually started playing out at the age of three. I was the only girl in my town that played hockey. When I was five we had a typical "Father, Son" game and they put me in net for fun but I actually ended up being pretty good. My coach told me that if I ever wanted to go anywhere with hockey I should be a goalie because soon the boys would get stronger and faster and there would be no where for me to play. My parents weren't too fond of his opinion but when I told them I wanted to be a goalie they agreed. So I may criticise my old coach for what he thought were words of wisdom, but I can't be too angry because it helped get me here!
MM: Do you feel that playing in nets gives you added pressure to succeed?
KH: I definitely feel that playing nets adds pressure. However, I think that all players have pressure on them in a sense. The one thing is, when you are a goaltender and you make a mistake, it's a goal for the other team. If you are a forward or defence, you can often make a mistake and the result isn't as amplified. Strong or weak goaltending can usually make or break a game, and the pressure of wanting to stop every puck for your team is often overwhelming. However, its part of the position, most goalies love it!
MM: How do you think your season's gone up to this point?
KH: The season has had some ups and downs. We have beaten the top team in the league but also faced a tough loss to the last place team in the league. In November we were able to play teams from different conferences which was great. The rookies were able to experience the speed we will be seeing at nationals. Although we did face a few tough loses I think in the long run they have taught us a lesson. A few of our veteran players have really stepped up and the rookies have fit into the team perfectly. After
finishing second in the league and being ranked 5th nationally (while people say we shouldn't even be ranked top ten) I think we realize we have the chance to prove ourselves. We are looking forward to our AUS weekend in Moncton and plan on coming out with a ton of energy and focus.
Make sure you check the StFX Athletics website for all the updates on the women's X-Women hockey team as they compete in the AUS championships this weekend.
Story courtesy Mat MacDonald, StFX Sports Information contributor