CARLYLE - Kasenya and Gracyn Einarson are sisters who have been playing hockey since they were in kindergarten, and are teammates on the Carlyle U18 Wildcats.
The Wildcats have completed their 20-game regular season and ended up with a 3-16-1 record. Playing in the South Division of the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League, the team finished in seventh place.
Kasenya is 16 years old and is in Grade 11. Gracyn is 14 and in Grade 9 with both attending Arcola School. Kasenya was the team’s leading scorer and finished regular-season play with 13 goals and seven assists in 19 games. Gracyn chipped in with a goal and two assists and played every game.
Both girls are forwards with Kasenya playing right wing and wearing jersey No. 11. Gracyn plays centre and wears jersey No. 9. Both have played boys’ minor hockey over the years and are happy that they are able to play on an all-female team.
The sisters were asked to comment on their hockey strengths.
“I feel I am a hard-worker and strong on the puck,” said Kasenya.
“I feel I am a good forechecker and a good passer,” added Gracyn.
The girls’ parents are Jennifer and Cory Einarson and the family lives in Arcola. Jennifer is a co-manager of the team.
“Cory and I are extremely proud of our girls and their intense love of the game of hockey,” said Jennifer. “We really enjoy the game, and it is such a huge part of our lives.”
Brian Hagel is the head coach of the Wildcats and offered his assessment of the sisters. “The Einarson girls are a joy to coach and are quick learners,” said Hagel. “I really appreciate their passion for the game.”
The Wildcats will be playing the Milestone Flyers in a best-of-three quarter-final series. Carlyle defeated Milestone 5-3 in Game 1 on Friday night in Milestone. Game 2, which is the Wildcats’ home game, is being played in Kipling on March 1. Game three, if necessary, would be played back in Milestone.
