A Special Future with Sarah FillIer
CCM Celebrates 125 Years of Hockey Excellence
By Jaci Solomon | Ice Warriors Photography by Braulio Rocha
Ice Warriors Magazine - Issue 1
The 125th Anniversary of CCM, one of hockey’s most iconic brands, was marked by an exciting event that commemorated both the history and future of the sport. The Montreal-based celebration brought together some of the biggest names in hockey, past and present. Among the highlights of the anniversary was an in-depth conversation with Olympic gold medalist and the PWHL’s 2024 first-overall draft pick Sarah Fillier.
This momentous event, attended by many who hold a deep passion for hockey, also emphasized CCM’s pivotal role in shaping generations of athletes.
Fillier, one of hockey’s rising stars, shared her journey to the professional ranks, her love for the sport, and her outlook on the future. She provided a heartfelt and personal look into her own experiences, offering a glimpse into her path from a small-town hockey player to one of the sport’s elite.
Kicking off the event, Fillier reflected on her participation in the celebration, detailing the panels and activities she enjoyed.
“We had the 125th anniversary event for CCM and that was awesome, listening to a bunch of panels,” she said, clearly thrilled by the opportunity to share the stage with hockey’s greatest minds. “I was actually on a panel myself too, so it’s a really cool experience.”
“To go to New York is so special. I mean, the city of New York is probably the coolest city to be in, so to play in front of the fans there will be awesome.”
Fillier’s journey to becoming an Olympic gold medalist, three-time World Championship gold medalist and a first-overall pick is nothing short of remarkable. A graduate of Princeton University, she spent four years playing alongside her twin sister, Kayla. Their close bond, both on and off the ice, defined much of her college experience. “We grew up playing hockey together,” she shared.
After her college career, Sarah’s skill and determination landed her a spot on the Canadian national team, and her Olympic debut came in 2022. But perhaps the most exciting milestone is her upcoming professional season in New York, a city known for its passionate fans and intense hockey culture. She could hardly contain her excitement when discussing her future team.
“To go to New York is so special. I mean, the city of New York is probably the coolest city to be in, so to play in front of the fans there will be awesome.”
What shaped Fillier’s passion for hockey? Growing up in a hockey-centric household undoubtedly played a crucial role in her development. As she explained, she began playing hockey at the age of three, inspired by her older brother.
“I followed my older brother in his footsteps. He was a big hockey player, and my sister didn’t start playing hockey until she was eight.”
While Sarah and Kayla eventually played on the same team in high school, their early years saw them competing on separate boys’ and girls’ teams. She fondly recalled how, for the sake of convenience, they decided to play together during their high school years, setting the stage for their time at Princeton. Her competitive spirit, however, was forged in childhood battles with her brother, who never let her win a game.
“My brother is eight years older than I am and I don’t think he ever let up on me or let me win a game, so that’s for sure where my competitive spirit came from.”
Family has been a central pillar of Sarah’s hockey journey. “My parents are probably my biggest supporters and my biggest fans, so they’ve been to probably almost every game I’ve played internationally,” she shared with a smile. This deep family connection helped her navigate the challenges of becoming an elite athlete.
Growing up in a small town with a big hockey tradition, Sarah’s childhood was steeped in the sport, and family values were an integral part of her development. “We are a big hockey family. I’m from a small town but a big hockey town, and yeah, family is the most important part in all of this,” she explained.
During this interview, Fillier took a moment to offer advice to young female athletes who look up to her. She emphasized the importance of hard work but stressed that enjoyment of the game is equally crucial. “I would just say to have fun in everything that you’re doing and work hard,” she said. For Sarah, the friendships and memories formed through hockey are the most rewarding aspects of her journey. “The most important thing in growing up in sport is just making friends and creating memories.”
It’s clear that for Sarah, the relationships she’s built over the years, both with teammates and competitors, have been just as important as the trophies she’s won. She encouraged young athletes to soak in every moment of their sports experience, whether it’s a casual practice or a high-stakes tournament.
As Sarah prepares to embark on her first professional season in The Big Apple, she expressed excitement at being able to focus solely on hockey. For much of her career, she has balanced academics with athletics, but now she’s ready to dedicate herself fully to the sport.
“My entire hockey career, I’ve either been a student and had to work on assignments and essays and exams my whole hockey season. So, to be a real true professional and be able to just focus completely on my hockey is going to be really cool.”
Though her schedule will be packed with training and games, Fillier also values downtime. When asked about her favourite offseason activity, she shared that she spent a relaxing week by the beach in Boston with her boyfriend. This balance between work and play is something Sarah cherishes.
The 125th anniversary of CCM not only celebrated the past but also looked forward to the future, and Fillier is undoubtedly one of the key players shaping the next era of women’s hockey.
CCM’s legacy, built over more than a century, mirrors the growth of the sport itself. With athletes like Fillier leading the way, the future of hockey looks brighter than ever. For fans, this special event was a chance to reflect on the past and get excited about the talent and passion that lies ahead.
