It's Really Happening

She was the first Olympian to win a medal at the University of Manitoba. She helped the Bisons women's hockey team to their third Canada West title and their first-ever U SPORTS National Championship. She's involved in the community, she's an incredible ambassador of her sport, and she's a joy to be around in almost all situations. Ladies and gentlemen, Venla Hovi will now be the first Manitoba Bisons player to become a professional hockey player after she registered for the draft in the Canadian professional women's league!

I already have a pretty good idea where she may end up, but the fact that we'll continue to see Venla Hovi playing among the best is a very good thing. There were times last year she seemed to be on another level when it came to her play, and now we'll see her elevate her play every week as a professional player!

As I stated on Twitter,

It's really happening, folks. @VenlaHovi will be a pro hockey player next season. Looks like it's time to get off the old wallet and pick me up a Hovi jersey! 😉

— Teebz (@TeebzHBIC) August 2, 2018

So if you see me sporting a jersey around the University of Manitoba with Hovi on the back that looks a little different than Finland's colours or the Bisons colours, you know why.

I know this decision wouldn't have come lightly from Venla after she had laid roots down in Winnipeg over the last few years. However, she has done this major move once in going from Tampere to Winnipeg, so moving to her new city where she'll play should be a little less crazy this time. She's smart, she's resourceful, and she's a great person, so finding accommodations and getting settled once she's drafted shouldn't be a problem at all.

Congratulations to Venla Hovi on this move, and I'm excited to see her ply her trade among names like Decker, Spooner, Rattray, and Poulin. The only thing I have to worry about is paying for a jersey!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!