Fouillard helps ACC Cougars succeed

From Empire Advance

By Robin Wark

 

Kasey Fouillard, daughter of Melissa and Mike Mitchell quickly established herself as an important contributor for the successful ACC women’s squad. The Cougars made it all the way to the semifinals of the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II tournament in Marlborough, Mass., where they fell in double overtime.

“What I enjoyed most about this season was getting to play with a great group of girls as well as an amazing coaching staff and having such a successful season,” Fouillard said.

The forward finished third on the team in points with 25 points, including 14 goals, in 23 games. She contributed on the powerplay and the penalty kill.

“Kasey Fouillard is powerful skater who will do anything to get the puck and also plays a tough game,” Cougars head coach Tony Bertone said. “Her skates are always moving. We used Kasey at centre because of hard work and speed. … Now that she knows what college hockey is all about and we look to her scoring some big goals for us next year.”

Fouillard has enjoyed the atmosphere of being on a college hockey team.

“It felt like we were such a well-connected team having to go to the same school and living not far from each other,” she said. “As well as the coaching staff being very supportive the whole way through.”

She also liked travelling with the team. The Cougars’ schedule included trips to Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.

“What I enjoyed the most was the scenery that surrounded us everywhere we went – mostly tall green trees with rocky terrain which you don’t see much of in Manitoba,” she said. “It’s also always neat to see the reaction on people’s faces when we tell them where from Brandon Manitoba as it’s a far way away.”

Family support has helped Fouillard make it to the college level.

“From getting my first pair of skates to driving endless hours to practices and games, they have been more than enough when it came to helping me with my hockey,” she said. “Although I must also give recognition to my grandpa for giving me pointers, showing me what I can improve on in my games and shooting pucks with him in the loft on the farm. Truly am grateful for those who have helped me over the years and the friendships I have made along the way.”

Off the ice at ACC, Fouillard is studying digital art and design. She is in her first year of the two-year program. Fouillard plans to use the design aspect of this program as she pursues a career in renovating houses. After completing the digital art and design program, she plans to study carpentry.

(Originally published at https://www.empireadvance.ca/local-news/fouillard-helps-acc-cougars-succeed-6860274)