This month’s alumni spotlight focuses on Danielle Serdachny.
Before Danielle Serdachny was suiting up for Team Canada, she was just like every other Canadian kid.
She was introduced to hockey at a very early age and quickly took a liking to the sport.
“I started skating when I was two,” Serdachny recalled. “I then started playing organized hockey when I was four. I come from a big hockey family and was constantly around the rink and loved it. My parents signed me up early and I was fortunate enough to play with my older sister. I just fell in love with the game.”
Serdachny had a lot of support growing up and said her family was very impactful in helping her get to where she is today.
“I think it would be difficult to name one person as I have been fortunate enough to have many people influence my hockey career,” she said. “I am going to have to say all my family members – my mom, Debra, my dad, Steve and my three siblings Brooke, Noah and Jordan have had a huge impact on me as a person and a hockey player. They have always believed in me and have supported me for many years at the rink and away from the rink.”
Serdachny’s minor hockey career saw her excel with the Southside Athletic Club, Maple Leaf Athletic Club, the Edmonton Pandas and Pursuit of Excellence in Kelowna. She posted 57 goals and 142 points in 110 minor hockey games.
She suited up with Team Canada for the first time at the World Women’s U18 Championship in 2019. She helped Canada defeat their archrival from the United States in overtime to win the gold medal.
“Hockey has given me many opportunities that I am so grateful for. I have had the chance to work with many young female hockey players while at Colgate University and hopefully inspire them,” she said. “We also have an Inclusive Learn to Skate Program where we work with individuals with autism and other neurodiversity conditions, which greatly impacts my teammates and me.”
And while Serdachny has pushed the limits and will likely soon be playing professionally in the PWHL, she still remembers why she loves playing the game.
“My favourite thing about playing hockey is the joy it brings my teammates and me,” Serdachny said. “The memories and friendships you make are truly special, and I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to play the game I love while being surrounded by people I love.”