NAME: Kelly Bechard
UNIVERSITY: Calgary
CATEGORY: Student-athlete
SPORT: Women's Hockey
HIGHLIGHTS:
CW First-Team All Star
CIAU All-Canadian
Olympic Champion (2002)
Four-time IIHF World Champion
BIOGRAPHY:
Kelly Bechard was a pioneer of women’s hockey at the University of Calgary. As a member of the Dinos inaugural team in 1997, Bechard put them on the map, quickly establishing her dominance in the league. She was voted a first-team Canada West all-star and All-Canadian as she helped the Dinos to a conference bronze.
Bechard returned in 1999-2000, notching nine points in eight games. It was after this season she earned a spot on the senior national team, winning an Olympic gold medal in 2002 and four IIHF World Championship titles.
Bechard’s commitment to women’s hockey did not end there. Knowing and having what it takes to win at the highest level, Bechard returned to the University of Calgary, serving behind the bench when the team captured its first-ever national championship in 2012.
Her impact on the University of Calgary and Dinos hockey cannot be understated.