From Wildcats to Huskies … Charlie Shearer’s hockey journey

With graduation five days away, Charlie Shearer is not only studying for her final two exams she is preparing for her next big challenge…taking her hockey talents as a blue liner to the next level with a scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan.

Charlie recently completed her final season with the Westman Wildcats U18 AAA program and will head to Saskatoon late August to join the university’s women’s hockey team; something she committed to almost a year ago.

“I committed in August of 2025,” Charlie smiled, “It’s exciting, but a little nerve-wracking too.”

A standout defenceman, Charlie’s path to hockey began in the full size outdoor rink at home.

“I started skating when I was two or three with my brothers and my parents (Christy and Mark Shearer),” she said. “Both my parents had a huge impact on my hockey career.”

Growing up in a small community, Charlie played on mixed teams until the Bantam level while also double-rostering with female teams as girls’ hockey opportunities expanded across rural Manitoba.

“I really see and appreciate how much female hockey has grown,” she said. “When I was younger girls’ hockey was just starting to take off in the rural communities.”

The past season with the Wildcats was one she will always cherish. The team made a strong playoff run despite being one of the youngest groups in the league. Players came from communities across western Manitoba, including Glenboro, Wawanesa, Deloraine, Melita, Souris, and Brandon.

“We really had a great group of girls,” she said. “Getting to be a senior and wear an “A” on my jersey in my final season was really special.”

When asked to describe her game, she called herself a “stay at home defenceman, who embraces responsibility .

“I enjoy the pressure of being that last option,” she smiled. “I trust myself in those situations and hope my teammates trust me too.”
Standing nearly 5-foot-10, she credits her size, strength, hockey IQ and ability to make smart defensive plays as key parts to her game.

Wildcats coach Karissa Kirkup, commented that Charlie was a strong leader bringing a lot of energy to the team. “And she has a very hard shot. Charlie is a vocal player, and can get everyone hyped up on the bench in the important moments.”

Beyond hockey, Charlie has excelled in nearly every sport available to her. She has competed at the AAA level in both hockey and softball, while also participating in badminton, volleyball, basketball, cross-country and track.

“When I was deciding on a university, I was torn between hockey and softball,” she said. “The opportunity to stay in Canada and play hockey at a high level was a big factor.”

Academically, Charlie plans to enter Early Years Education with a major in Kinesiology and she is keeping things open with the idea she may venture more into Kinesiology.

“I love working with younger kids and helping with sports,” she said. “I’m working at the daycare this summer and am really excited about that.”

Asked about the biggest lesson hockey has taught her, Charlie doesn’t hesitate. “Never take anything for granted,” she said. “You always wish you could take a shift back or change something after a game. Looking back now, I realize how special all those years of minor hockey and AAA hockey were.”

She also points out to the work ethic sports has instilled in her.

“Our Wildcats saying is, ‘Never Be Satisfied,’” she explained, expounding that the mantra has spilled into her everyday life, especially school. “The little things really do ad up!”

As she prepares to leave home, Charlie is grateful not only for the opportunities hockey has provided, but also for the friendships built along the way.

“I’ve made so many friends through sports,” she said. “I’m lucky to have groups of friends from different interests and places and I cherish all of them.”

The feeling is mutual, fellow teammate and friend, Ivy Perkin, talked about all the memories she has of Charlie on and off the ice. “On the ice she’s highly skilled, bringing consistency and a hard work ethic every day,” said Ivy. “On the ice and in the dressing room she is a strong leader who sets a great example for the younger girls. She’s dependable, supportive of her teammates, and helps foster a positive team culture.”

With her last two exams to write, graduation around the corner and university hockey waiting, Charlie is eager to embrace the next chapter.

“I’m fortunate enough to get to play at another level and I’m so excited to see what the future holds!”

For a young athlete who has spent years putting in the work, embracing every challenge and never settling for less than her best, the future looks incredibly bright for Charlie Shearer.