Growing up in a small town, Huskies forward Marley Ervine always knew she was going to play hockey. Now entering her fifth and final year of eligibility with the Huskies, Ervine is looking to accomplish big things.
“I grew up in a hockey community, and all of my friends played and a lot of family too. It was kind of second nature just to join along,” Ervine said.
Although she hails from Kindersley, Sask. the decision to join the U of S team was a simple one. Ervine moved to Saskatoon at the age of 16 to play in a competitive female hockey league and from there, her transition to the Huskies was easy.
“I played Midget AAA with the Saskatoon Stars, and they have a really good relationship with the U of S Huskies. Hanna McGillivray and Brooke Mutch — two of my best friends — they committed here, so it just made sense to keep playing together.”
When athletes enter their fifth year of playing, typically coaches will expect them to take on more of a leadership role and help guide the new rookies. Head coach Steve Kook expects the same out of Ervine and recently named her an assistant captain for the 2015–16 season.
Ervine is looking forward to her new role and says her biggest asset to the team is something that can’t be taught.
“When I came in as a rookie, there was a great group of fifth-years that mentored me, so I feel I have an obligation to do the same with some of the rookies now. I want to bring my experience,” Ervine said. “It’s been a long four years so far; I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs. So just being able to provide my knowledge based on my personal experience and with this team.”
As her career with the Huskies winds down, there is one memory in particular that Ervine will never forget.
“My favourite memory is winning the Canada West finals at home in double overtime, then following that up with the bronze at nationals.”
Just two years removed from the historic win — it was the program’s first ever conference title — Ervine is hoping the squad can make another postseason run. With a blend of talent, experience, speed, youth and athleticism, the Huskies are poised for a strong season.
“Obviously, our ultimate team goal is to win nationals. We want to have a strong regular season and a strong playoff outing and from there, qualify for nationals. Personally, I just want to have a consistent year and be a complete player, contributing both offensively and defensively,” Ervine said.
Ervine is enjoying some early success to her season, as she recorded a goal and an assist in the team’s 2–0 victory over the Mount Royal University Cougars on Oct. 3. Midway through the second period, Ervine took a pass down low, had the patience to out-wait the defenceman, walked out in front and fired it top corner — just under the crossbar and past the goalie’s outstretched glove. After finishing in the top five on the team in goals and points last year, she is already on her way to another solid campaign.
She attributes some of her success to a good luck charm that she has had for a while.
“I always wear this really old baseball cap before every game, and all the girls make fun of me for it,” Ervine said.
Hockey is a huge part of Ervine’s life after all these years and it is something she is definitely going to miss.
“I love the competitive nature of it, the team aspect … just having those common goals and trying to reach them together,” Ervine said. “I’m going to miss my teammates the most, they’re like my second family. Seeing them everyday is usually the highlight of my day, so it’s going to be a big void I will have to learn to fill.”