Kincardine goalie Morgan Baker signs with the University of Regina Cougars

Goalie Morgan Baker is heading west next fall, after signing a letter of intent with the University of Regina Cougars women's hockey team.

The 18-year-old daughter of Dave and Deanna Baker of Kincardine, has been playing hockey for 13 years, beginning in the Tyke division. By the time she was a second-year Novice, she knew she wanted to be a goalie full-time.

After Kincardine Minor Hockey, she was the goalie for the Saugeen Maitland Lightning for three years, and is now in her second season with the Bluewater Hawks of the Provincial Women's Hockey League, playing out of Strathroy.

As for school, she is currently completing her fifth year in London at a co-operative education placement downtown at the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic.

Unsure of where she was headed in sports and academics, Baker was looking at options but hadn't even considered the University of Regina. However, a couple of weeks ago during one of the tournaments her team was in, she was told that an extra set of eyes would be watching the game that morning.

It turned out to be Sarah Hodges, daughter of Eric and Dana Howald of Kincardine, head coach of the University of Regina women's hockey program. She was in Ontario scouting a goaltender from Ottawa, and recalled Baker who shadowed the Cougars when they visited Kincardine for the Great Lakes Challenge in 2012. Hodges drove to Brampton to watch Baker play.

"I spoke to Sarah (Hodges) after the game and then a week later, I was flying to Regina," said Baker.

The university paid for her to fly out for a 24-hour recruiting visit. This was her first time on an airplane, and her father went with her.

"It was quite a flight," said Baker. "That first night, when I was supposed to have left Toronto and arrived in Regina, my dad and I actually spent sleeping at the airport, waiting for a flight in the morning. I love when the airplane takes off, though, it's super fast so I loved it!"

When they arrived in Saskatchewan, they went right to the arena, met with the goalie coach and saw the arena and dressing room, followed by a tour of the school. 

"I was super-excited," said Baker. "I hadn't even thought about going out west. When I got out there, I knew I could not pass up this amazing opportunity. The school is small and has small class-sizes which was what I wanted. Sarah and everyone I met were amazing. They were so nice and they were able to answer every single question, which was not an easy task, given the safety questions my mom kept texting me!"

Everything happened very fast, and the next thing Baker knew, she had signed a letter of intent and accepted a scholarship to the University of Regina. She plans to study Kinesiology and Human Kinetics as an undergrad, with the ultimate goal being a Masters in Occupational Therapy.
 

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Morgan Baker (R) signs a letter of intent to play for the University of Regina Cougars; photos courtesy of Morgan Baker
 

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"I am a bit nervous being so far from home, but it was everything I was looking for in a school and hockey program," said Baker. "My dad keeps reassuring me that it's only a three-hour plane ride, so it could be a lot further, which is true. My mom, on the other hand, is more concerned that it's a long way away and she might just have to come and stay with me. Seriously, she's super-excited and happy for me. She even learned how to use Facetime so we can see each other every day.

"The university provides a very hands-on type of learning atmosphere which is exactly how I learn, so I'm not too nervous. Also, there are so many helpful tools that I can use to excel in my courses.

"It's been a lot to wrap my head around, but everything was what I've always wanted. The only hitch is the whole distance thing, but I'm excited to see a new part of Canada, it's a new experience that I cannot wait to have! It feels amazing now that I know where I am going next year - a huge sense of relief for sure."

While her family will miss watching her play, they agree she has made the right decision and are excited about this opportunity.

"My dad said it was my decision and he agrees that I made the best choice - even if it's a long distance to get there," said Baker. "He's already designed a helmet for me!"

Her next step is to focus on the rest of her season with the Bluewater Hawks, and then begin training and preparing herself for the upcoming season.

Besides her parents and her brother, Matthew, who have supported her hockey career, the following sponsors have assisted her in her goal of playing university hockey: Canadian Water/O/A Vending, Presto-Crest, Superheat, Lakeside Chevrolet Buick GMC, Sleepers Bed Gallery, Bill Shewfelt Financial, Dar-Lyn Pools and Spas, Eian Farrell of Re/Max, Jen Cook of The Co-operators, Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Dr. Dellar-Quinn, The Bruce Steakhouse, The Kincardine Independent, Bill and Linda MacTavish, Carol "Cookie" Quinn, Sally and Roger Troke, and her grandparents: Grandma and Papa Martindale, and Nanny Baker.



Morgan Baker in net for the Bluewater Hawks of Strathroy