Erin Beaver Brings Veteran Stability to Ravens Defense

In her fourth year with the Ottawa-based Carleton Ravens, defender Erin Beaver has emerged as a steady presence on the blue line. Prior to joining the Ravens, Beaver competed with Oakville in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League, the top junior hockey league for girls in Ontario.

“It was a really great experience. That was my first year in junior," Beaver said. "It was really competitive, and there was a lot of speed in that game. It was good to experience.” With the PWHL’s Nepean Wildcats sharing the same arena as the Carleton Ravens, Beaver has been in attendance. “I have watched a few. I know a girl on the Stoney Creek team,” Beaver said.

Victoria Gouge, who currently plays with Beaver on the Ravens, was a teammate at the PWHL level. “We were teammates with Oakville. We met before we came to Carleton," Beaver said. "It was good to know someone and have a common friend in my first year.”

Having grown up in the Greater Toronto Area, Beaver decided to continue her career in the nation’s capital. “When I came for a visit, I liked the campus. It is not a short bus ride to downtown Ottawa,” she said.

With the city of Ottawa hosting the 2013 IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championships, the Carleton Ravens have a unique connection. Beaver’s former teammate, Sara Seiler (the Ravens captain in 2011-12) is a member of the German national team. Seiler also participated with Germany at the 2006 Torino Winter Games. “As Sara Seiler was part of our program, we are excited to go and give her our support. In having a connection, we are excited to see how Team Germany does,” Beaver said.

Like many of her Ravens teammates, Beaver adorns her helmet with the purple heart logo of Do It for Daron. DIFD is a local foundation which honors the memory of the late Daron Richardson, daughter of former Ottawa Senators’ defender Luke Richardson and sister of Cornell Big Red defender Morgan Richardson.

“It is a big honor to be a part of it. We show support with it (the logo). Even though I am not from here, it is great to see the community come together for a great cause, " Beaver said.  "I have met her mom, Stephanie, and she is a lovely lady.”

Beaver has also seen her career enriched by the opportunity to play for Ravens head coach Shelley Coolidge. “It is good to learn from her. The things she knows, and her ability to focus on the little details you may not realize," Beaver said. She really makes a big difference and reminds us and points out.”

In her fourth year with the Ravens, Beaver employs great maturity in her game and understands the importance of leadership. “I see myself as a leader more so this year. Although there is no letter on my jersey, the expectations are not gone," Beaver said. "This year I am more of a leader but just in a different role.”

Said role also incorporates the use of humor as a means of keeping everyone loose. “I am known as the person who jokes around a lot. I like to bring to humor. Although we push each other at practice, I like to keep the mood light and fun,” Beaver said.

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”