Joelle Anderson of Baldur joins Dakota’s Lumberjacks

“She may be small, but man that girl is strong and she is fierce in the corners when digging for the puck,” said Glenboro Westman Coach Mark Morrison of Joelle Anderson who has just signed with Dakota College in Bottineau, North Dakota. During an interview Joelle spoke of her love of the game and how excited she is to be playing for two more years with the Lumberjacks Woman’s Hockey team. Joelle is the daughter of Alana Anderson and step daughter of Ric Gudnason of Baldur. “I love a variety of sports, but hockey is number 1. I love the intensity; it’s kind of like every game is a new race! I was hooked from the first drop of the puck,” exclaimed the 18 year-old soon be Class of 2023-24 Baldur graduate.

During a recent interview Joelle expressed that she hadn’t really considered playing college hockey and was surprised, not to mention completely elated when she was contacted by a scout representing Dakota College asking her if she would consider being part of the “Jack Pack”. “I was feeling a little sad thinking that hockey was over for me when the season ended, I just couldn’t believe it when I got the call,” she said in gratefulness.

The opportunity availed itself during a game in Bottineau organized by Westman Falcons’ team manager Jenn Nickols. “Jenn knew that there were a few girls on our team that would eventually be looking at moving across the border to further their education so she found a game for them to get some experience, and that is where Joelle caught the attention of the scout,” explained Westman Falcon coach Morrison.

This past season was the first time Glenboro had a U18 girls hockey team and that didn’t come by chance as they really had to dig deep to find enough girls to make up a team. Joelle was registered to play with Manitou and had to request a release in order to join the Falcons. The team really needed another member to meet league requirements so Joelle’s release from Manitou was paramount.

“It was a process to get released but it was worth it; I had the best season ever with the Falcons; everyone from the team members, coaches and manager made this the most memorable year for me,” she said with utmost sincerity. Her greatest and most memorable season not only encompassed competing in the Provincial Championship; it involved a lot more than that. “This year was my best year in hockey; it was the first time I was named team captain. The Falcons is made up of such a great group of girls and I had to be the best I could be to set a positive example to the team.”

When asked who made an impact to her as an athlete she spoke of her parents never ending support. “There were times I wanted to quit; times when I wasn’t getting very much ice time or felt like I didn’t have a connection with a team, but my mom would not let me quit. I wasn’t so grateful then but I am now,” she quipped. Joelle also spoke of how all her coaches made an impact to her game but she paid special tribute to coach Mark Morrison and how he really saw something in her and encouraged her; building her confidence on the ice.

Her positional play and work ethic are what grabbed her coach’s attention, “She is a very strong skater and her level of compete is very high,” commented Mark adding that when the scout reached out to him the questions were more about Joelle the person. “She showed me who she is and that is how I answered; she is very humble.”

Joelle and her parents toured the college and she felt very comfortable with the facilities and coaches who explained the process to her. The majority of her hockey career had her playing left wing, but this past season she was centre; a position she became very comfortable with and one that she may continue in with the Jacks.

She talked about how comfortable she felt in the small 300 student college where the majority of students are in an athletic program. “The teachers are familiar with students who are on sports teams and adjust the schedule so nothing suffers.” Joelle is looking forward to the next couple of years travelling to games and gleaning all the experiences afforded during two years in College. Her long term goal is to enrol in veterinary sciences but in the mean time she is going to enjoy her time on the ice!