Brigette Lacquette facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brigette Lacquette
Lacquette in 2019
Born	(1992-11-10) November 10, 1992 (age 32) Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada
Height	5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
Weight	181 lb (82 kg; 12 st 13 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Right
PWHPA team Former teams	Calgary Calgary Inferno Manitoba Bisons Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs
National team	Canada
Playing career	2011–present
Medal record Olympic Games Silver 2018 Pyeongchang Team World Championships Silver 2015 Sweden Silver 2016 Canada Bronze 2019 Finland

Brigette Lacquette (born November 10, 1992) is a talented Canadian ice hockey player. She plays defence for the Calgary section of the PWHPA and the Canadian national team.

In 2018, Brigette made history. She became the first First Nations woman to play for the Canadian women's Olympic hockey team. To celebrate this big achievement, her Olympic hockey stick was put in the diversity exhibit at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Brigette also appeared on the cover of Elle Canada magazine in 2021, along with fellow players Sarah Nurse and Hanna Bunton.

In December 2021, Brigette joined the Chicago Blackhawks as a scout. She helps find new players for clubs in the Western Hockey League. She also received the Inspire Award in the sports category in 2019 for her amazing work and influence.

About Brigette Lacquette

Early Life and Hockey Start

Brigette Lacquette is the first First Nations hockey player to join Canada’s National Women’s Team. She knows this makes her a role model for young First Nations athletes, especially girls who love hockey. She is very happy to take on this important role.

Brigette grew up in a small Métis community called Mallard, Manitoba. Her father is from the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation in Manitoba. Her mother is from the Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan. Brigette has a sister, Tara, and a brother, Taren, who both play hockey too.

Brigette started skating when she was just four years old. Her father and cousins taught her about hockey. There were no hockey rinks in Mallard, so her dad built one in their own yard! By age five, Brigette knew she wanted to play organized hockey. Her father started taking her to the closest indoor rink in Winnipegosis.

Facing Challenges and Becoming a Role Model

As Brigette grew up, she sometimes faced racism at hockey games. When she was twelve, she played in a tournament in Winnipeg. She heard hurtful comments from opponents, fans, parents, and even some teammates.

Even though she sometimes wanted to quit, her father always supported her. Brigette decided to keep playing hockey. Her father is very proud of her strength. He said she "kicked that door over and knocked it down." This means she overcame a big challenge. Brigette now inspires many others.

Brigette loves being a role model for young First Nations kids across Canada. She said, "Growing up I really didn't have that female role model to look up to." She is excited to be that person for them. She received the Inspire Award in the sports category in 2019 for her inspiring work.

Brigette's Hockey Journey

Playing for Canada

Brigette first joined the National Women’s U18 Team in August 2008. She won a silver medal in 2009 and a gold medal in 2010 at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships.

She first played with the National Women’s Team at the 2013 Four Nations Cup. She helped Canada win the gold medal there. Brigette made her IIHF Women’s World Championship debut in 2015. She won two silver medals in a row with Canada. She made her Olympic debut at PyeongChang 2018, helping Canada win the silver medal.

College and Professional Teams

Brigette played college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth. In 2011-12, she was the second-highest scorer among her team's defence players. She was also named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team. Her former coach, Shannon Miller, called her "the most naturally talented player" to ever play for their program. Brigette was also the first Ojibway/Anishnabe player in UMD hockey history.

After college, she joined the Calgary Inferno of the CWHL. They had picked her 24th overall in the 2015 Draft. She won the 2015-16 Clarkson Cup with Calgary. She also helped the Inferno reach the Clarkson Cup final again in 2016-17. In 2019, Brigette was voted by fans to be a captain at the 4th Canadian Women's Hockey League All-Star Game.

Volunteer Work

Brigette Lacquette is a partner athlete with Classroom Champions. This group helps connect athletes with young people. Brigette is part of their "Circle" program, which helps Indigenous youth. She has mentored children from the Piitoayis (Eagle Lodge) Family School in Inglewood, Calgary.

Career Stats

Team Canada

Awards and Honors

• Top Defenceman at the 2010 IIHF World Women's Under-18 Championships. She helped Canada win its first gold medal at this event.
• 2016 Clarkson Cup champion
• 2019 Indspire Award, Sports