FAIRFIELD McKenna Remillard grew up on the ice at Collins Perley, playing youth hockey with SASA before joining the Comets.

After graduating from BFA St. Albans in 2019, Remillard enrolled at the University of New England and joined the Noreasters womens hockey team.

This year, Remillard, a sophomore, and her teammates are undergoing the new normal in COVID times.

I try to look at the positives. Even though I havent had a normal season, Ive developed different connections in the smaller groups, said Remillard.

Its easy to focus on whats been taken away, but its better to focus on what weve been able to learn and take away from these experiences.

Ive grown a lot in these times. Its helped me focus on how I can improve physically and mentally. If you can overcome adversity, it shows you how powerful you are.

The pandemic has shaped our perspective. Life moves fast; this slows things down and helps you to focus on your priorities and reflect on whats important. The power of positive thinking can really help change your perspective.

Last year, the Noreasters were 16-9-2 on the season and earned a trip to the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship for the first time in school history, losing 4-1 to Endicott.

It was nice to make school history, and I thought we came out in good spirits. I had an amazing experience and great coaches and teammates, said Remillard.

What did Remillard take away from the winning season?

I tended to overthink last year. I didnt want to let my team down, and I was hesitant, said Remillard.

I learned a lot of important lessons last year, and I came back this year ready to apply them. I was thoroughly happy with my choice and I love my team.

Remillard made new friends last year, including a former Franklin County player, Shannon Nadeau. She also faced off against her lifelong friend, Peyton Dukas.

Wed be in the locker room, and Shannon would say something about a place in Vermont; I would know exactly what shes talking about, said Remillard.

I highly respect Shannon as a person and a player. Ill be sad when she graduates next year.

McKenna Remillard and Peyton Dukas, now of separate college teams, take a photo together during the college season.

Dukas, who plays for the University of Southern Maine, was a teammate of Remillards on the Comets and a lifelong friend.

It was very exciting to play against her. When we played them last year, I heard her name called and wanted to cheer for her, said Remillard.

We wanted to do the best against each other, but in our minds, we were rooting for each other.

Ive appreciated that we have the desire to see each other succeed and grow in our different experiences.

McKenna Remillard takes the puck down the ice at UNE in her freshman season.

Did you reach any personal goals in the 2019-20 season?

I made really good friendships, and it was nice to form my own identity going to school and to have so many great people who were there to help me as I adjusted, said Remillard.

It was great to connect with people on a deeper level for the success of the team.

What are your goals for 2021?

My goal has been not to lose touch but to get to know my teammates within the COVID guidelines, said Remillard.

Ive focused on myself athletically and mentally, but also on my teammates to maintain the bonds.

Our coaches have helped us improve at the individual level, and weve made even better connections with the coaching staff.

Remillard, a nursing student, puts her skills to work at Northwestern Medical Center on college breaks.

Working in the emergency department has reassured me that Ive chosen the right career. I love the people and the job, said Remillard.

Its been helpful in the classroom as well. Its given me a good foundation.

McKenna Remillard and Peyton Dukas pose for a victory shot after winning the DI State Title with the Comets in 2018.

"I learned (with the Comets) to focus on relationships and on what I can control: attitude, effort, and perception. I've taken those lessons throughout my life and worked on growing in those areas."

McKenna Remillard

How did athletics prepare you for the career youre pursuing?

Playing for Coach (Luke) Cioffi and (Jeff) Rouleau (Comet hockey), I learned we had a goal of winning, but we also learned about life, said Remillard.

I learned to focus on relationships and on what I can control: attitude, effort, and perception. Ive taken those lessons throughout my life and worked on growing in those areas.

What should younger athletes focus on if they want to play sports in college?

Focus on balance; theres a balance of not working so hard that you get run down, but you always want to be growing, said Remillard.

Work on building confidence in yourself and your team. Understand that you are capable and dont doubt yourself.

Have a positive attitude. It can change the whole experience and really affect people. Focusing on those things will help you reach the next level athletically and as a person.

Read the rest here:

From Northwestern Medical Center to the University of New England, McKenna Remillard brings her best - St. Albans Messenger