Portage Collegiate Saints hockey player Karly Vince has been recognized as the Athlete of the Week in the Manitoba High School Athletic Association.

The grade 12 forward has enjoyed a stellar season thus far with PCI, helping to lead the team to a 3-2 record. Vince describes her reaction when she found she won the award.

"It was pretty cool. My coach sent out a message to our group chat and everyone was congratulating me," says Vince. "I felt proud of myself for earning the award because I've never gotten an award with the Manitoba High School Athletic Association yet. So, I'm applicative of it."

The local forward has been outstanding on the stat sheet this season as she is placed third in her division in points and second in goals, however, the girls ahead of her have played in eight games compared to Vince's five. She says scoring wasn't always her strong suit but notes head coach Jo-Anne Clark-Gillespie has helped her break out of her shell offensively.

"In Grade 9 I was never able to put the puck in the back of the net. I played defence, and I just wasn't as strong as the other girls," Vince explains. "It's been really nice this year to be able to put the puck in the back of the net. Playing centre this year has helped with that, being able to drive to the net and rush the puck helps a lot."

Vince says she started playing hockey when she was six years old but adds she learned way more about the game when she started playing with PCI.

"I didn't know as much when I was younger, but when I joined the Saints, Jo taught me a lot more about the game," says Vince. "I learned a lot of new positions as well. I never played forward until now, and it's just a good time, that's the only way I can explain it."

The forward says she has gained a lot more confidence this season noting her teammates, as well as coach Clark-Gillespie, have been extremely supportive of her. She says a lot of her teammates are fairly new to the sport and adds she is one of the most experienced players on the team. With that, Vince has taken on more of a leadership role this season.

"I help the girls a lot on the ice. When I pass the puck to the other forwards, I try to encourage them and help them learn their spots," Vince says. "In Grade 9, I wasn't in that position because I didn't know as much, but now that I'm in Grade 12, I know a lot more. It's really nice to be able to help the younger girls because I know I definitely would've appreciated that in Grade 9."

Vince describes what she wants to accomplish throughout the rest of her senior season.

"Try to win more games, make it to the playoffs, and hopefully, make the finals," Vince explains. "I just want to have a really fun time in my last year."