Kiera Shwaluk of the Portage Collegiate Institute Saints hockey team is the Manitoba High School Athletic Association's Tire Recycle Urban Athlete of the Week.

"It's pretty exciting because I wasn't really expecting to win it," Shwaluk chuckles. "I've been playing hockey for a while and I came from a triple A team last year. This year it's nice because I have a little more time with the puck (than I did at AAA) so it's a little bit easier to control things on the ice."

This 5-foot-6 defender currently has 22 points, seven goals and 15 assists in 18 games played this season. She currently sits 13th in points and fifth in assists in the Winnipeg Women's High School Hockey League's (WWHSHL) Free Press Division.

"I decided I wanted to play high school hockey (this season) because I am really focusing on my softball career, and by doing so I have more time to worry about softball, and I can still play hockey because I really like the sport."

The Grade 11 student maintains a 90% academic average, while also participating in volleyball and fastpitch.

Saints' Playoff Push

In the WWHSHL, The Saints are only one point back of first place Sturgeon Heights, who they beat less than a week ago. PCI is tied with River East and one point ahead of J H Bruns in fourth.

"We've developed a lot through the year," says Shwaluk. "We started off not too strong but through our practices, we've become a lot stronger and we're passing really well as a team. I'm really excited to see how we can make it through playoffs."

"That win over Sturgeon was huge and the team is feeling really good right now heading down the stretch."

The Saints are back in action Thursday when they host Beliveau at the BDO Centre. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m.