This month’s alumni spotlight focuses on Stephanie Fischer.
Hockey has forever been engrained in Stephanie Fischer’s DNA.
She grew up in Wainright and played her minor hockey in Lloydminster for the PWM Steelers. She went on to be over a point-per-game player with the Irma Chargers of the Alberta Junior Female Hockey League, registering 29 goals and 39 points in 27 games. Fischer then moved onto the University of Alberta where she was on the team for three seasons from 2019-2022.
Her minor hockey experience in Lloydminster helped her reach the next level.
“My minor hockey experience has helped me grow as a person and a player,” Fischer said. “It gave me the opportunity to continually learn and work on my on-ice skills while also allowing me to play in a competitive environment.”
Fischer played a few different sports as a kid when she wasn’t playing hockey that really helped her game progress in a multitude of ways.
“I played competitive softball for nine years until grade 12. Softball helped improve my overall athleticism and with mental skills,” she said. “Playing other sports exposed me to different competitive environments that presented new opportunities for growth and skill development.”
Once her playing career was over, Fischer took up a role as an assistant coach at the University of Alberta, a role she has held for two years. She was also an apprentice coach during the 2022 Alberta Challenge, a tournament in which she played in 2015.
“My favourite thing about playing hockey was being a part of a team. Getting to go to the rink everyday with your teammates and collectively work towards the team’s goals,” Fischer said. “Be present and make the most out of it. You won’t play hockey forever, but the connections made with teammates can last a lifetime. And have fun no matter what.”
The support of her family has been key in her successes at the junior and university levels.
“My family was my biggest influence they were always with me every step of the way. My parents gave me every opportunity they could to help me reach my goals,” she said. “I’m so grateful for their continued love and support.”