Women’s Hockey Champion Cheryl Pounder was born in Montreal into a family of hockey enthusiasts: A grandfather, who was GM of the Montreal Junior Canadiens, and her hockey-playing older brothers. The rink in the family’s backyard also helped to set her on the path to excel at Canada’s national sport. Upon moving to Mississauga, Ontario, Pounder achieved the status of ‘Athlete of the Year’ at both her high school and Wilfrid Laurier University, where she earned an honours degree in Kinesiology.

Pounder’s greatest career accomplishments are represented by her two Olympic Gold Medals in from the 2002 Salt Lake City and 2006 Torino Olympic Games.

Pounder has played on Canada’s 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005 (All-Star Defenseman) World Championship Hockey teams and was voted the top defenceman at the 2002, 2004, 2007 and MVP at the 2005 Canadian Women’s Hockey National Championship.

In addition to her hockey career, Pounder has been in-studio analyst for TSN’s coverage of the last two Women’s Hockey World Championships. Considering her pursuit of both educational and physical excellence, it’s no surprise that her impressive sports achievements are complemented by her abilities as a motivational speaker.

1. Pursuit of Excellence

First, we must have a vision/dream.

The importance for both the individual and team to challenge each other from within. Focus, determination, respect and perseverance are integral in believing and achieving. It's always about the journey.

1. Courage to Overcome Adversity

Adversity builds character and teaches us about ourselves and our teammates. We have a choice to learn from our failures. We must face our fears and put ourselves 'out there' if we want the opportunity to be successful. Have you given yourself the best opportunity to be successful? It's always about the journey.

1. Leadership & Teamwork

Who shows up every day ready to compete, even when it isn't easy? Can we work together? Do we respect and have the ability to help one another? This is where we learn about ourselves and our teammates. We must make a conscious choice to 'share information' and help one another. It's always about the journey.

1. 'Growing for Gold'

I learned that the above topics; excellence, focus, determination, teamwork and courage allow us to grow as individuals and teammates. During the process or 'journey' we have the ability to learn about ourselves (if we pay attention). We must grow throughout the journey, we must learn from our failures and successes if we want to reach our vision/dream. It's always about the journey.

1. Celebrity Appearances

Teamwork & Teambuilding, Hockey, Motivational, Athlete, Sports Leadership,