FALL RIVER: Clare Munro admits to being nervous about moving 1,345 kilometres away from her family but is also excited about continuing to play the sport she loves at a high level.
Munro will begin her Grade 10 year at the Cornwall, Ont.-based Ontario Hockey Academy (OHA) with the hopes of bettering her skills and game so she can land at a NCAA Division 1 school or U-Sport (specifically in the Atlantic University Sport league) after her senior year.
It’s been a process that’s been ongoing for a couple years after OHA noticed her two years ago at provincials and began talks with Munro and her family about joining them.
“I’ve known for awhile that I wanted to go away, Grade 10ish and take my hockey to the next level, said Munro, in Grade 9 at Lockview High. “They’ve been talking to my dad for a few years.”
She said it will be a change in lifestyle.
“I’m excited to be living with my teammates and being part of that while atmosphere,” said the 15-year-old. “It’s scary for sure, but I know my friends will stick with me.”
Munro wants to improve herself as both a hockey player and person and is ready to work hard with the team at OHA.
She said one key thing that has sold her on OHA is the exposure players on their teams get to those in the NCAA Division 1 and U-Sport level.
“I want to play in the NCAA Division 1 or U-Sport for hockey and think I can have the best opportunity to do that with OHA,” said Munro. “I hope to get a scholarship to go play hockey in the U.S. or maybe even stay here.”
With COVID19, this season has been one of ups and downs for Munro and her LHS Dragons girl’s hockey team, who will play in the one game, winner-take all Capital Region championship against Auburn on Wednesday.
“It’s been a crazy year, back and forth with COVID19,” she said.
Munro said she can’t wait for hockey to be part of her everyday routine.
“It’ll be really hockey-oriented, there won’t be any conflicts, so that has me really excited,” she said.
Even her friends are having moments of sadness about their friend moving away.
“We definitely have our moments where we get emotional,” she said.
For Munro’s parents, her moving away and her brother going to university will leave them as empty nesters.
“I don’t know what they’re going to do with themselves, honestly,” said Munro with a chuckle.
She said there are butterflies about the impending move, but she’s sure she will adjust without any problem.
“I’m nervous definitely, but I’m just as excited,” said Munro. “I have a feeling I’m going to make a whole new family at OHA.”
