CDS Teacher Helps Capture Clarkson Cup for Markham Thunder
Ellie Seedhouse, a member of the Physical and Health Education department and part-time associate teacher in the Junior School, has taught and coached at CDS for the past three years. While most of her CDS colleagues and students may have heard about her extensive hockey background, it came as a surprise to many to hear she was a member of the winning team in Sunday’s Canadian Women’s Hockey League’s (CWHL) season final.
“It was the first time I didn’t get to play for the team this year when I was available to,” explains Ellie. “Five of us didn’t dress for the game, as some of our roles on the team shifted a bit when the Olympians returned from PyeongChang. But we got into our equipment toward the end of the game while it was still tied, and watched the overtime period from the corner of the arena. When we scored the winning goal, we jumped onto the ice to celebrate with the team when we won, which was really special.”
Leading up to March Break this year, Ellie was faced with a difficult decision as an athlete as this was the first March Break since her father passed away last summer. Having played all season with her team, and as one of the few players who works full time, she decided to spend her time off with her mother in Florida, rather than playing in the team’s playoff games leading up to the Clarkson Cup. Her choice didn’t seem to phase her excitement for her team’s big win or her inclusion in the final celebrations.
This is Ellie’s third year playing with the CWHL’s Markham Thunder (formerly the Brampton Thunder), which involves playing and training alongside many of Canada’s top female players. At Western University, she played all four years with the Varsity Women's team, serving as Captain her senior year; and in high school played hockey in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) for the Whitby Wolves. Ellie’s coaching experience includes three seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Varsity Women's Ice Hockey program at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) following her time at Western.
“The energy we felt yesterday was unreal. Seeing so many young female hockey players in the stands watching the game and visualizing how they could play at this level some day was really inspiring. Aside from the Olympics, this is great league for young players to aspire to play in one day. It’s such a high level of hockey, and an amazing experience to play alongside some of the best Olympic players.”
The CWHL had seven teams in the league this year from Markham, Toronto, Boston, Montreal, Calgary and two Chinese-based teams, including the Kunlun Red Star. Earlier in the season, Ellie’s team had travelled to China to play these teams, but because of CDS duties, she stayed behind.
Congratulations Ellie on a tremendous season!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
