Katelyn Fournier Proudly Dons the Captain's C for the PWHL's Ottawa Senators

Playing for the Provincial Women’s Hockey League's Ottawa Senators franchise, Katelyn Fournier is the team captain for the 2012-13 campaign. With the Senators competing in the PWHL’s First Annual Do It for Daron contest, Fournier had the opportunity to participate in the ceremonial faceoff.

Fournier knew the late Daron Richardson and was once her teammate.

“We played together for the AA Bantam Lady Sens,” said Fournier.

She was proud to see the large turnout at Bell Sensplex for the historic event, which paid tribute to Daron’s life, noting, “It was a really good honor.”

In attendance at the event were Daron’s sister Morgan (who currently participates with the Cornell Big Red) and her mother, Stephanie Richardson, who was at centre ice with OWHA President Fran Rider in the ceremonial faceoff.

“I see that there was a lot of support, and it helps,” proclaimed Fournier.

While the Senators sit in the lower half of the PWHL standings, Fournier is optimistic that the squad can rebound after the holiday break:

“I believe we can get out of it, and it will be a lot of fun.”

Heading into the holiday break, Fournier sits second overall in scoring among all Senators skaters.

The family ties run deep for Fournier, as her older sister Melissa Fournier also competed for the PWHL Senators.

“Currently, my sister competes for Dalhousie,” said Fournier, who credits her older sister as an influence in her own career.

One of the rites of passage of junior hockey consists of the long bus trips. With the city of Ottawa being one of the more northern cities in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League, Fournier and her teammates manage to make fun out of the potentially long trips:

“The bus trips are so much fun. We even do karaoke.”

An extra burden in junior hockey can include the responsibilities of academics. Fournier handles it with maturity, adding, “When you play hockey, it teaches us about time management.”

The role of Senators captain is one that Fournier takes very seriously:

“It is an honor to be the captain. Last year, Cydney Roesler (who now competes with the Quinnipiac Bobcats of the NCAA) was the captain. It is an honor to take her place as captain. She is an amazing player, and this is a great team. Very easy to lead.”

*All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise indicated