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Katia Clement-Heydra is coming into the CWHL from the McGill Martlets, where she was third in the league in goals, first in assists, third in power play goals, first in short-handed goals, and second in game winning goals. She was named rookie of the year in 2011, was a two-time conference first team all-star, and was among the league's top three points leaders in each season that she played. Oh, and she also won two CIS championships. The fact that she's no stranger to success should help her make the transition into the CWHL.
"We're used to winning. We have a winning culture. I think it's going to help me to be more comfortable," Clement-Heydra said.
"I'm just trying to give my best every game, and follow in the footsteps of every girl. They can expect hard work from me."
All that being said, the CWHL is a much harder league to play in. Clement-Heydra will be playing with - and competing against - Olympic gold medalists, something she looks forward to.
"I think it's more physical; you're not playing girls anymore, you're playing women. They have experience, they're bigger, they're faster. It's a different game."
Clement-Heydra spent her time during training camp in the bottom six, rotating between the third and fourth line.
The reason for this is that Les Canadiennes' top six is pretty much set in stone. Ann-Sophie Bettez, Caroline Oullette and Marie-Philip Poulin make up the first line, with Emmanuelle Blais, Noémie Marin and Kim Deschenes rounding out the top forwards. It's the third and fourth lines that still have question marks pencilled in, as various combinations were used during the preseason.
What can fans expect from Clement-Heydra this season? (Besides the fact that she'll likely wear #19, her old McGill number.)
"I think I'm more of a play-maker," she said. "I try to open up the game for other players and make space."
Find out which line Katia Clement-Heydra will play on when Les Canadiennes open the 2015-16 season on October 17, against the Brampton Thunder at Étienne-Desmarteau Arena.