By Adam Eisenbarth
You can’t get much past Rimbey goaltender Camille Trautman these days.
That’s exactly why the 17-year-old hockey player has emerged as one of the top talents between the pipes in Canadian female hockey.
On Aug. 3 it was noted that Trautman has taken one step further in her hockey career; she has been named one of the top 28 athletes from the U18 Female Team Alberta Provincial Camp.
“Being named to the top 28 is awesome. It’s always something that I have wanted and now I am that one step closer to making Team Alberta and going to the Canada Winter Games,” said Trautman.
The top 28 athletes have been short-listed for evaluation for the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, N.S. Feb. 19 to 27.
Tautman is no stranger to big events. She’s quickly learning how to keep her focus. Though she admits she used to get nervous when she was younger, she has improved her mental attitude and fits well into big events.
“If I think about how important the game is, it makes me try to play more complicated, whereas I need to just play a simple game and I will do the little things right.”
It was back in May when Trautman displayed her skills at an evaluation camp. Coaches and scouts were clearly impressed, naming Trautman as one of four Alberta goalies on the list.
Her possible participation in the Canada Winter Games would be an initial step toward the Olympics, as the event is used to identify players for the national program.
“Playing in the Canada Winter Games would be incredible. I know that last year at the nationals I was very honored and had a great time and learned many new things.”
Despite her bright future, Trautman has had the discipline to keep from getting caught up in the possibilities ahead.
“As for the Olympics I’m not sure that is something I am really thinking about right now. It's in the back of my mind but not something I have given a whole lot of thought to right now.”
Instead, she just focuses on improving her game, taking it one step at a time.
“Well I’m just breaking into the Hockey Canada program with the U18 side so the senior team would be a ways off for me right now.”
At this time, Trautman is just pleased her determined work ethic is paying off and talent evaluators are taking notice.
“It's always good to know that all the hours of training, travelling, and being away from family and friends is recognized and worth it, which makes me want to continue to have more success.”
This winter Trautman will be between the pipes for the Red Deer midget AAA female Sutter Fund Chiefs. The team will be much younger this year with several experienced players leaving but she’s excited for hockey season to begin again.
“I keep telling my parents how I am excited for school to start because that means that the hockey season will be underway as well.”
Trautman is currently attending a Hockey Canada U18 goaltender camp in Toronto, Ont.