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@ottawacentaurs Happy International Women’s Day from us here at the Centaurs❤️❤️
Get your International Women’s Day charity merch here, all proceeds going to the Ottawa Women’s Society!
[play video – the ottawa centaurs celebrate international women’s day]
The video opens to reveal the women behind the Ottawa Centaurs, all dressed in the new charity merchandise. Cassie Boodram has a Centaurs jersey with pink replacing the traditional red, Lisa Hayes has on a white toque with a Centaurs mascot holding the IWD symbol rather than a hockey stick, Caitlin Dykstra wears a red crew neck sweater with ‘real hockey players support women’ in black lettering across the front, Yuna Hollander’s zip up jacket says ‘hockey is built on team moms’ and many more. The crowd is rounded out by Selena Chouinard, Hannah Boyle, Holmberg’s mum Anita, LaPointe’s girlfriend Daisy, Troy’s mum Julie, Kristy Hayes and her wife Eve, Gen, Leah Campbell, various Ottawa PWHL players, Svetlana, and even Rose Landry is wearing a Centaurs toque.
Gen stands at the front of the group, talking to the camera
Gen
Hey Cens fans! I’m Gen, if you don’t know me it’s because I’m normally behind the camera, but I’m not today because we’re here at the Centaurs International Women’s Day celebration with just some of the women who make up the Centaur’s community. There’s lots of fun to have, so we thought we’d bring you along!
*cut*
There is a montage of clips of the day cut together, the audio plays alongside a backing track of a fun, bouncy beat.
Everyone’s on the ice, Ilya is pretending to chase a gaggle of children across the arena and takes a dive at the last minute much to their amusement.
A large table is laden with various foods, Nick Young slings an arm around Anita Holmberg’s shoulder as he smiles to the camera. In the short clip, viewers can see that each dish has a little label stating which player brought it in, and who in their life inspired it.
Cheers can be heard as Wyatt runs while Lisa is on his back in a piggyback – thankfully this seems to be outside on a grassy patch – and makes a very affronted noise as Nick Chouinard runs past him with his daughter Remi on his back. Laughs build up as Lisa yells something about cheating.
There’s a shot of Luca Haas, Max Lapointe, Nick Young, Will Holmberg, and Tanner Dillon all grinning at the camera, each with #InternationalWomensDay painted across their foreheads. In the background Troy is sitting in a chair getting his own face paint done.
*cut*
Harris is flushed with excitement and smiling broadly, holding a small microphone in his hand. There’s an apple painted on one of his cheeks and the IWD symbol on the other. Bood is standing next to him, face painted almost entirely pink and practically bouncing up and down.
Harris
Bood! Can you tell us what you’ve brought to the potluck today?
Bood grins enthusiastically and adjusts slightly to show off the very large section of the table laden with the food he made.
Bood
It would be my pleasure Harris!
Okay, so I maybe went a bit more overboard than the other guys, but when you said to bring in something that reminded us of the women in our lives I just couldn’t resist. Plus, I’ve seen some of the others cook, so I wanted to make sure there was something here that was edible.
An offended sound comes from somewhere behind the camera, die hard fans could probably guess it was LaPointe.
Bood
Don’t act surprised Pointy, you literally called me once because you burned a boiled egg. I’m not even sure that’s possible.
Harris chuckles as LaPointe relents with a small, ‘yeah that’s fair’, and wanders off.
Bood
Back to the food! So, obviously we’ve gotta start with something for my incredible wife Cassie, she is literally the only reason I survive anything ever, she’s my rock and my best friend and just the best person ever, so I had to do her justice. I’ve made her so much food over the years, but I decided to make barbeque ribs because it’s what I made her on our first date. I’ve since been told that was the worst possible first date food but I must have done something right because she still puts up with me.
He laughs lightly and winks at the camera. The plate of barbeque ribs is nearing empty, but what’s left looks divine. Bood moves to the next plate.
Bood
This one’s for my mom, it’s Pelau, one of my favourite foods growing up. For those that haven’t tried it – you should. It’s a classic in Trinidad and Tobago, rice and veggies and meats and just delicious. Then we’ve got another heritage dish for my grandma, she’s the one who taught me to cook, this is Cassava Pone, the best dessert ever. There are some other ones throughout, I also did some classic jerk chicken and some lamb kebabs because they’re my nieces’ favourites.
Harris
Yum!
*cut*
Harris is now standing next to Troy who has his arm around his mum, Julie.
Harris
Troy and Jules! What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Troy thinks for a moment, smiling at his mum who looks at him with pride.
Troy
It means so much. Women are the backbone of every community, and go so under recognised and underappreciated that it’s awesome to have a day celebrating them. I mean, it sucks that it’s so necessary but any day that I can celebrate the amazing women in my life is a good one.
People don’t realise how much women actually do. On average, women do 50% more housework than men, but 91% of women with children do at least an hour of housework a day compared to only 30% of men with children. That’s not even accounting for the mental labour of organizing the household. It’s crazy.
Like, looking at gender based discrimination and violence is even more horrifying, like not only are women over 3 times as likely to experience domestic violence, but over 80% of sexual assault victims are women, and that only accounts for the one’s reported.
Anyone who says feminism and International Women’s Day, and everything like it aren’t needed anymore are idiots.
I’m so incredibly lucky to have such an amazing mom who taught me how to stand up in the world on my own, but also that it’s okay to lean on others when you need to. It’s not a secret that my dad’s kind of an a**, and for a long time I was worried I was like him. I couldn’t be more proud to be nothing like him, and everything like my mum!
Troy looks wistful, but serious as Harris beams at him with pride and Julie wipes a small tear.
Julie
I’m so proud of my son, and everything he’s done for victims and how he’s used his platform for good. He makes me feel appreciated every day, not just when the date tells him to.
*cut*
Young is on the ice, lining up a shot on an empty net. He winks at the camera and then points off to the side as he yells
Young
This one’s for women!
He slaps the puck and it hits the side of the goals and bounces off. Laughs break out in the crowd and Young turns, red faced, to the camera and shrugs guiltily.
Young
Sorry women
The camera pans to where Svetlana, Rose, Selena, Yuna, and Anita are watching, shaking their heads in mock disappointment as Rose tries not to giggle.
The camera goes back to the sheepish Young and Ilya skates into frame.
Ilya
Move aside child, I show you how it’s done, da?
He pulls his chain and cross out from underneath his IWD jersey and gives the cross a kiss before whispering to himself.
Ilya lines up a puck and shoots straight through the center of the net and cheers in celebration. He points up to the roof and can only just be heard.
Ilya
Dlya tebya, mama
(for you, mama)
*cut*
Harris must be behind the camera now, the kids, as they are affectionately known, are in front of him, face paint slightly smeared but still legible. They are all on the ice with big smiles across their faces.
Harris (off camera)
Kids! Name your favourite female athlete!
Luca answers almost immediately, the others still thinking.
Luca
Anna Kjellbin, she’s just been made captain of the Swedish hockey team! I got to meet her and she’s so nice!
Holmberg
Gonna have to go with the GOAT Serena Williams
Young
Good picks, but I think Cailtin Clark takes this, I mean what she’s done for the WNBA is crazy. She’s like, a generational talent.
LaPointe
Simone Biles for sure, my sister did gymnastics in college, so I’ve seen the crazy work that goes into it. I’m pretty sure she could flip over my head if she tried
Shane walks into frame, smiling broadly while chatting with Rose, he nods to the guys and then turns to the camera.
Shane
What’s the question Harris?
Harris (off camera)
Favourite female athlete?
Shane
Easy, Leah Campbell! She’s genuinely one of my best friends and coaches at our Game Changer’s camps and the kids just love her!
*cut*
Ilya is standing at the food table next to Harris, pointing to a dish labeled ‘Mama – Pirozhki (Ilya)’
Ilya
This was one of my favourite foods growing up, is called Pirozhki and mama used to make it for me whenever I was sick or sad. Is not as good as hers but nothing ever will be. Sveta helped me make it too because I could not find good recipe. Then, this one,
He points to another dish labeled ‘Mama Yuna – Spaghetti (Ilya)’
Ilya
Is for Yuna, she has been best mother to me right from the start. Spaghetti is first family meal I had since Mama passed, so I made it for Yuna today. Also for David as well, but is Women’s Day today.
Ilya is very wistful, but happy as the camera cuts.
*cut*
Nick Chouinard, Evan Dykstra, and Hank Boyle are now in the hotseat, looking to the camera nervously, their wives can be seen watching mischievously from the side.
Harris (off camera)
Nick, what’s Selena’s favourite movie?
Chouinard’s eyes widen for a second as Selena tries not to laugh.
Chouinard
Um, okay… I know this. It’s hard because all we watch these days is kids movies… Um… Oh! I know this! It’s 10 Things I Hate About You! You told me on like our first date! That scene with Heath Ledger singing as he walks down the bleachers is the best movie scene ever. Plus, it’s the reason we went to paintball on like our fourth date or something.
Selena
Nice one Babe!
Chouinard winks at her and grins proudly.
Harris (off camera)
Good job! Okay, Evan, in what restaurant did Caitlin first tell you she loves you?
There are sounds of apprehension as Boyle and Chouinard clearly think the question is a hard one, but Dykstra seems unphased.
Dykstra
Trick question, we tried to go to Lavendar Grill but the place had to close early and cancelled our reservation, so we ended up eating take out Noodle Box at the park. She told me she loved me while we were sitting on a bench and I nearly fainted because of how beautiful she was!
There is a chorus of aws from the rest of the group as Dykstra blows a kiss to Caitlin and stands up a little taller.
Harris (off camera)
We’re 2 for 2 now, so Boyle, what is Hannah’s least favourite clothing item of yours?
Hannah starts laughing as Boyle shakes his head in mirth, he looks up at her
Boyle
Really? That’s the question you chose?
Hannah nods
Hannah
Really.
Boyle sighs, shakes his head again and tries to stop laughing as he answers.
Boyle
She absolutely hates my old gym shorts
Hannah
Be more specific than that, they have to know why my hatred is so valid
Heads turn to Boyle as he relents and sighs again.
Boyle
They’re my old high school gym shorts, so they’re over a decade old now.
Hannah raises her eyebrows expectantly.
Hannah
And…?
Boyle
And they’ve got so many holes in them and are completely worn but they’re too comfortable to get rid of! I only wear them to sleep in now!
Chouinard claps him on the shoulder as Dykstra looks at him sympathetically
Dykstra
Bro, I think it might be time to get rid of them.
*cut*
Shane is sandwiched on the bench between Yuna, and Rose, and Leah sits besides Yuna, all are smiling at the camera.
Harris (off camera)
Shane! Who have you brought today and why?
Shane smiles impossibly wider as he speaks.
Shane
Well, obviously I’ve got my mom. She’s so amazing and I don’t think I’d be anywhere close to the player or person I am today without her. There’s no part of my life she hasn’t affected and she’s always supported me. She sat in the stands of my practices longer than any other parent, was always the team manager, and drove me to games at crazy times super far away, and is always my biggest supporter. Unless Ilya’s also playing, then sometimes she wears his jersey.
Yuna smiles at Shane, who returns the gesture.
Shane
That’s the other thing, she immediately embraced Ilya into our family and never once made it seem like he shouldn’t be there. I was so worried that all anyone would see was Rozanov, and never Ilya, but she and dad both saw Ilya right away, and now I think I’m the second favourite child.
Shane gives his mum one last smile and then leans across to talk about Leah.
Shane
I mentioned it before, but Leah is such an awesome friend and volunteers for the Irina Foundation every Summer. But besides that, she showed me that hockey can be an inclusive space, and locker room talk doesn’t have to mean misogyny and homophobia, but it can mean family and comradery. She also helped pioneer the PWHL which is such an incredible feat.
Leah flushes and punches Shane lightly on the shoulder as he grins. He then turns to Rose.
Shane
I think people are surprised that Rose and I are such good friends, especially given that we dated for a bit.
Rose
Because exes can never be friends. It’s simply not allowed.
Shane
Exactly. We’re supposed to hate each other.
They both start to laugh.
Shane
But seriously, Rose was the first person I came out to
Rose raises her eyebrows at Shane.
Shane
Fine, she pulled me out of the closet and made me admit to myself that I was gay.
But she created a space for me to finally acknowledge that about myself in a way that was safe and comforting and never made me feel like I was at fault. She supported me through hiding my relationship, and then even more so when Ilya and I were outed. She was right about everything all of the time and is just so incredible.
Rose
Plus, he’s my favourite gay boyfriend I’ve ever had.
Shane laughs and shakes his head.
Shane
I think Sveta is around here somewhere, technically she was Ilya’s invite but she’s basically a sister to me as well now. She helps me with my Russian, and is family to Ilya always. I don’t think Ilya and I would be where we are without her.
So yeah, I am nothing without the women in my life! I’d still be closeted and afraid and trying to pretend to be straight.
*cut*
Harris stands with Wyatt, Tanner Dillon, and Luca Haas. Tanner has somehow lost his shirt and on his chest is a massive pink Centaurs logo and across his stomach is #realmensupportwomen. Wyatt’s t-shirt says #wifeguy and Luca has somehow obtained a hand-crafted tiara that must have come from one of the kids running around.
Harris
Final question for now boys, who’s your favourite woman from history?
Wyatt jumps in before anyone else can answer
Wyatt
So, I have two, but I think you’ll allow it because they’re both incredible. Obviously I’m going to start with Marsha P Johnson, purely for all of the work she did for the LGBTQ community. She quite literally threw one of the first bricks at Stonewall and is an icon for queer community, hope, and activism. Black women have been at the frontlines for queer rights forever, and she’s just one of many who have paved the way for people like my sister Kristy and her wife Eve, as well as all of our incredible queer teammates to not only exist but to live proudly, marry, and build the families they deserve so yeah. Marsha P Johnson is amazing.
Harris looks more than a little choked up, Dillon is nodding enthusiastically, and Luca looks a little bit… jealous? No, hopeful? Maybe wistful?
Wyatt
The other is more selfish, although still incredibly valid. But it’s Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein and the mother of all things sci-fi. She was such an incredible writer and her works inspired so many other incredible writers within the sci-fi and fantasy genre that without her I literally don’t think Star Trek or Star Wars would exist. Plus, she was a complete badass, like she literally lost her virginity on her mother’s grave and if that’s not goth goals I don’t know what is.
Luca looks concerned at how casually Wyatt threw out the factoid, Dillon nods along in support and Harris just smiles.
Harris
Not sure how you know that but knowing you it’s probably true! Okay, Dillon?
Dillon
Hmmm, I think I’ll go with Valentina Tereshkova. If you haven’t heard of her, she’s the first and youngest woman to ever go into space, as well as the only woman to ever fly solo in space. She’s kinda like the space equivalent of Amelia Earheart. I really wanted to be an astronaut when I was younger, so I got super into all of the history and stuff. The dream died when I realized astronauts had to be like really good at math, but I still think she’s pretty cool!
Harris, Luca, and Wyatt all listen intently.
Harris
And Luca?
Luca
I know she’s not really historical because she’s still alive and only like 25, but Malala Yousafzai. I remember reading her autobiography in school and just being so… like wow she’s incredible. Everything she’s done for girls’ education and her resilience is awe inspiring. I always thought she was like way older, because she’s only a few years older than I am and everything she’s achieved is astonishing.
Dillon
Oh yeah! She’s awesome! I see her TikToks about studying and staying in school and they’re so funny!
Luca nods.
Luca
Yeah, so Malala is my answer. But if you want someone more historical than maybe Marie Curie or Frida Kahlo? Both are so important, my sister says they’re icons.
*cut*
Harris is filming in selfie mode now, talking to the camera.
Harris
We’re nearly wrapped up here at the Centaur’s International Women’s Day celebration, I’ve got one final question for each of our boys, What is one thing a woman in your life has done for you that sticks out?
*cut*
Bood thinks for a moment
Bood
I want to say Cassie – for literally everything. I mean she gave me Milo and a home, and support through everything. But also my Mom, she immigrated to Canada when she was young to find a better life for my siblings and I, which meant I got to grow up and meet Cassie and have this incredible life.
*cut*
Troy
My mom, she taught me to always stand up for what I believe in, no matter what anyone says.
*cut*
Dillon
My sister has always been my biggest inspiration, and she drove me to the game where I was scouted for the draft so I don’t think I’ll ever be able to top that.
*cut*
LaPointe grins at his girlfriend Daisy as he speaks.
LaPointe
It’s gotta be Dais, she puts up with my s*** constantly. The best thing she ever did for me was convince me to move out of my dad’s house, I think that might have saved my life.
*cut*
Wyatt
Lisa picked up her life in Toronto to move to Ottawa with me when I got traded, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank her enough for supporting me during that time.
*cut*
Ilya looks misty eyed, he clutches his cross in his hands as he speaks.
Ilya
My mama, Irina, she taught me that to be sad is not to be weak, and that you can find happiness in the dark.
He gives the cross a kiss.
*cut*
Dykstra
Susie Q just gave me a kiss and said I was the best dad in the world, so I think recency bias gives her the shoutout here.
He grins, there’s a small purple facepaint mark in the shape of lips on his cheek.
*cut*
Boyle
Hannah followed me to Canada after I was drafted, we’d only been going out for a couple of months but she put her faith in me and in us, and I can never repay her for that.
*cut*
Young
My mom is just the best bro, one time I came home from training camp when I was a rookie and still lived at home and she’d cleaned my whole bedroom because it was a mess since I had no time or energy for anything. I genuinely cried when I saw that she’d done that for me.
*cut*
Chouinard is holding his daughter, Jasmine, as he speaks.
Chouinard
Selena gave me the best kids anyone could ask for, nothing I do will ever match that.
He gives Jasmine a kiss on the cheek as she giggles and squirms.
*cut*
Luca
My grandma taught me how to draw and brought me my first ever sketchbook.
*cut*
Holmberg is giving his mum a hug
Holmberg
Mom still does my laundry sometimes!
She hits hit lightly up the back of the head.
Holmberg
For real though, running me around to all of the hockey games and practices was probably exhausting and she never once complained. I wouldn’t be here without her love!
*cut*
Shane thinks for a while.
Shane
I honestly don’t think I can pick just one. I mean, Rose literally came out for me, Mom never once faltered when she found out about Ilya and is the reason I have the career I do, Leah was the first one to show me that you can play with your spouse and it’s okay, Jackie Pike basically adopted me from the moment she and Hayd started going out, and…
He pauses, a smile draws across his face.
Shane
My answer is a tie between Jade and Ruby Pike, for officiated mine and Ilya’s wedding.
*cut*
The video closes with a shot taken from high up in the stands, showing everyone laughing and having fun on the ice. Text on the screen says:
Happy International Women’s Day from the Centaurs!
We’d be nothing without the amazing women in our lives!