Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – One of Presque Isle’s own winter athletes will take her hockey skills out of state this summer in the hopes of gaining experience and attracting the attention of a scout at the 2008 Philadelphia International Summer AAA Tournament from June 30 to July 6. Hillary Albert, a member of both the Bantam and girls’ hockey teams in Presque Isle, was selected as an elite player to join the One Hockey America U14 girls’ team.
Albert received the invitation to take part in the exclusive program after playing in a tournament downstate this past season. “The Presque Isle girls’ team went down to Augusta to play the Augusta team when Molly Zogley, one of their coaches, recommended me to Sebastien Fortier, the registration administrator for the girls,” explained Albert. “ I felt so excited, shocked and privileged.”
Team One Hockey began in June of 2004 with six teams scouting the best hockey talent in the U.S. to compete amongst each other and with other leagues, while improving their skills and endurance under the tutelage of some of the top coaches. Last year’s program included 90 teams. Organizers of the summer tournament estimate 160 teams from 10 countries to take part in the games.
“I hope to gain a lot of knowledge, experience and friends,” said Albert. “This is a wonderful program, and I feel very privileged to be asked to play and hope to gain a lot from it.”
Albert’s team will be coached by former National Hockey League player Bill Huard, who played seven years in the NHL and four for the AHL/IHL. Huard, who also attended summer hockey training during his youth, plans to drill the teams in both offensive and defensive NHL strategies and skills.
Despite the lack of ice at the Forum, Albert looks to stay in shape through the spring as an athlete on the softball and track and field teams at her school, and, during the summer lead up to the event, running every day to keep up her strength and endurance.
Organizers have urged all participants to arrive in their best shape, not only to host an exciting tournament but also due to the presence of scouts. Representatives from several hockey leagues, including the NHL, and collegiate programs will attend the 2008 event. “This program is very important to me because it’s an outstanding opportunity for me to be watched by scouts from all around the United States,” explained Albert. “This program helps many hockey players that would probably not get scouted on their town hockey team to be scouted.”
Albert, who is familiar with playing both offensive and defensive positions, will play on the defensive line of the U14 team during the tournament.
Contributed photo
HILLARY ALBERT, a Presque Isle-native and avid hockey player, will join other youth from across the nation at 2008 Philadelphia International Summer AAA Tournament this summer. 
