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Sam McCulloch, head coach for Cochrane's first U13 AA female team, speaks at the Jr. Chaos year-end banquet. Shane Delwisch, female development director, is in the background. (photo/Noel Edey)
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Sam McCulloch’s passion for hockey started right here in Cochrane — and now it continues as she takes the helm as head coach of the community’s first-ever U13 AA female hockey team.

“From the ranch in Dogpound to the international stage, Sam has lived and breathed hockey her entire life — and now brings that passion to launch female AA hockey in Cochrane,” said the Cochrane Minor Hockey Association (CMHA) in announcing her appointment.

“She’s a powerhouse mentor with deep roots in the game, and we are so lucky to have her leading the charge as we begin this exciting new chapter for female hockey in Cochrane.”

A few years ago, officials in the female program were left disappointed — and even a little frustrated — after being overlooked for a Double-A franchise. Still, they stayed focused and never lost sight of the big picture.

“We’ve been fighting hard to get that AA program for a long time,” said McCulloch. “So really, at the end of the day, I was happy with any selection for coach — but the fact that I get to coach the team? I couldn’t be happier. I’m over the moon and super excited.”

“I’m so proud of this association and the people who’ve been working behind the scenes, like Lorne Bremner, who has put a lot of time and effort into growing this program.”

What has been successfully branded as the Jr. Chaos female program started about a decade ago with about 70 players. It was heavily fuelled by "try hockey" events and now numbers 270 players from entry level to U18.

McCulloch first laced up in Cremona before joining the Cochrane program, which at the time didn’t yet have a separate female division. She played her AA hockey in Cochrane with the Bow Valley Timberwolves before making the roster of the AAA Airdrie Xtreme.

“I got knocked around quite a bit, so that was my last year with the boys,” said McCulloch. “Then I went to Calgary and played with the Oval program. It was a non-Olympic year, so it was pretty cool that I got to experience that with the Wickenheisers and Goyettes — those fancy names,” she laughed. “It’s super cool that I now get to coach in the same association I grew up in.”

She also competed for Team Alberta, Team Canada, and at the NCAA Division I level with Mercyhurst University.

Now a proud hockey mom to three girls and heading into her 15th year behind the bench, McCulloch recently led the U11A Chaos to a league championship.

“It’s just a full circle of everyone helping out and giving back,” said McCulloch. “And it’s been amazing to be part of the process.”

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The first six players selected for the new team were introduced and said a few words at the Jr. Chaos banquet on April 12. (photo/Noel Edey)

Evaluations for the new U13 AA team were held in early April. The first six players selected were cheered on as they took to the stage at the Jr. Chaos year-end banquet on April 12. Payton Wright, Emery Nickel, Adalynn House, Charleigh Coon, Harper Rosena and Addelyn Rice proudly represented the inaugural group.

That same day, the association hosted its annual "Try Hockey" event.

“It was amazing to see girls who had never put on skates come out, because it’s the thing to do in Cochrane,” said McCulloch. “We’re getting known for female hockey, and it’s all thanks to the people who’ve done the hard work behind the scenes."

“It is so special to see all the females involved. Growing up in a male-dominated hockey world, seeing all these women come together to make this happen is truly inspiring.”

She said the pride among players is obvious.

“The girls are proud to wear their Junior Chaos jackets and hoodies to school — it’s something I never got to experience as a kid,” she said. “It’s just so special to watch the girls try out, to see them want to wear that jersey.”

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