Editorial

January 14 2026

Shining in the international spotlight

The latest chapters in the rich hockey history authored by countless athletes with roots in northeastern Nova Scotia were written over the weekend – both penned in the international spotlight.

Kendall Doiron – a talented 5’3” forward from Boylston – fashioned a giant performance in her global debut, scoring one goal and one assist in a 9-0 victory for Team Canada over Switzerland at the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) U18 Women’s World Championship in Membertou First Nation.

It was a homecoming, of sorts, not only because the 17-year-old had skated on the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre ice throughout her hockey journey but also – and most importantly – since family and friends proudly watched; the turnout bolstered by geography with her hometown only a couple of hours away from the venue. She was, figuratively if not more or less literally, playing in her backyard – one of only two Nova Scotia players on the Team Canada roster.

One night later, south of the border in Boston, Massachusetts, the hometown Bruins battled the Pittsburgh Penguins, where another Nova Scotian athlete was honoured, and it wasn’t the legendary Sidney Crosby. The Cole Harbour native not only took his place as the second most popular Bluenoser on that night, but also helped celebrate the achievements of Antigonish native Matt MacPherson, who was honoured for reaching the 1,000 game milestone as a National Hockey League (NHL) official.

Like Doiron, MacPherson shared the memorable moments with more than 30 family and friends who made the journey from Antigonish environs; several of whom have shared in many highlights over his 15-year career, including officiating in the Stanley Cup Final.

And, it is safe to say, the duo is far from finished, considering – just in the short term – that Doiron continues to shoot for gold with her Team Canada teammates before returning to Shattuck-St. Mary’s for the home stretch of a stellar second season skating with the renowned prep school located in the hockey hotbed of Faribault, Minnesota. And, to put it terms from the sport, she is only in the first period of what should be a long and fruitful career, which could include an opportunity to don the Red and White at the Winter Olympics.

Speaking of that international celebration of sports held every four years, it will be the venue for MacPherson’s next career landmark. Next month, he will be one of the NHL’s best putting on the stripes for the 2026 Games in Italy for the men’s hockey competition. He will be sharing that experience with a friend and familiar face. Shauna Neary of Fairmount, Antigonish County, who is an official in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, will be doing the same for the women’s competition.

Along with applauding their triumphs, there are lessons to be learned from their journeys. This trio – all Antigonish Minor Hockey Association products – are shining examples of how passion, hard work, dedication and, of course, talent are key ingredients to helping someone fulfill their dreams not only in sports, but also any other field.

Their achievements also reflect the quality of the support systems – family, friends, coaches and mentors – which helped them reach and continue to achieve their goals. These role models are also shining examples of how – whether you are from Boylston or Country Harbour, Arisaig or Havre Boucher – dreams can come true.

As tennis legend Billie-Jean King says: And if you can see it, you can be it.