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'A tireless work ethic': South enjoys playing hockey for U of R

MELFORT — Melfort’s Ireland South is enjoying life on and off the ice at the University of Regina. The daughter of Brad and Jenn South completed her second season with the Cougars women’s hockey team last winter.
Ireland South
Melfort’s Ireland South, playing for the University of Regina shoots during a game against Calgary. Photo by Arthur Ward

MELFORT — Melfort’s Ireland South is enjoying life on and off the ice at the University of Regina.

The daughter of Brad and Jenn South completed her second season with the Cougars women’s hockey team last winter. The education major achieved the Academic All-Canadian standard.

“Being a part of U of R has been so much more than I ever expected,” she said. “Not only have I had the opportunity to go to a university where it feels like home, but to play with the women’s hockey program has been the most fun I have had in my career thus far.”

South is coming off a strong second season for the Cougars. After posting five assists in 27 games in her first year, South had four goals and seven points in 28 contests last winter. South said in her first campaign she enjoyed the team and game, but realized she needed to push herself harder to become better personally but more importantly to help the Cougars reach their full potential.

When asked about her increased points production, South said:

“When entering into my second year, I had a new confidence in my ability. I put in a lot of time and effort during the off season. As well, thanks to my coaches, they pushed me to change my shot and movement on the ice. As a result, I found myself contributing more to my team’s offence. All I can say is that hard work definitely pays off.”

U of R head coach Sarah Hodges said that since South joined the program, she has improved in all areas of the game because of her strong work ethic. Her biggest strides came in her offensive skills and confidence, her coach said.

“She has improved her shot and release to the point where she is a consistent offensive threat, and she consistently looks to create offence,” Hodges said. “When she started with us, she already had tremendous defensive skills, but she saw herself as a defensive forward – she has changed her mindset to be a two-way threat.”

Although South was only in her second season at the U of R, Hodges said her biggest strength was her leadership by example.

“She has a tireless work ethic and an incredible attention to detail in practice that sets the tone for our team and has allowed her to progress at our level at an incredible rate.”

Hodges said that South is the kind of athlete all coaches love to coach. She works hard everyday, wants to learn, puts the team first, and excels in the classroom. South said that balancing hockey and school does not come without its challenges.

“I personally make sure to plan out my days and take advantage of the long bus rides to get homework done,” she said. “I have a calendar that I write everything on: date, assignment, practice, game, etc. and I never allow myself to procrastinate.”

South is looking forward to a career as a teacher. She has helped out with the U of R’s Cougars Cubs program, which introduces young children to hockey. “I really love teaching younger children and my time with Cougar Cubs has really increased my desire to coach one day,” she said. “I love being able to help people learn and watch them achieve their goals.”

During her hockey career, South’s parents have supported her as she has strived for her goals. “I honestly have the most amazing parents,” she said. “Even though they live three hours away in Melfort, there is not a game that you will not see them wearing their Cougar gear, cheering me on in the crowd. if it was not for their support, love and confidence in my ability, I would not be here today playing at this high level. I am beyond blessed.”