Bancroft native to play in world hockey championships

By Sean McIntosh

BELLEVILLE – A Bancroft girl will be playing in the 2016 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Hockey Championship.

Victoria Howran will be representing Team Canada for the first time in her young career. The 17-year-old said she was all smiles after being named to the team.

Representing Bancroft creates a great sense of pride, Howran said.

“It’s pretty incredible,” she said. “I still play in Bancroft with the boys. I’ve played since I was five years old here.”

She plays for the Whitby Jr. Wolves in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League.

Howran is a team leader, according to head coach Keven Schram. She will bring a lot to Team Canada on the ice as well, he said.

“She plays great one-on-one, she’s very offensive, her instincts are better than I’ve ever seen,” he said. “She’s just one of those kids that we have the luxury of using her in all situations.”

Schram added that he’s proud of Howran.

The world championship begins on Jan. 8 in St. Catherines, Ont.