Jason Hills
For MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Throughout her university hockey career, MacEwan Griffins forward Joie Simon has made her mark as a strong penalty-killer – in part because of her incredible work ethic, so it was fitting that the moment she became MacEwan's all-time Canada West leading scorer was on a prototypical hard-working short-handed breakaway.
The fourth year-forward from Flin Flon, Man. put some pressure on the Mount Royal Cougars defenceman just past the red-line, which led to a turnover, before she skated in and roofed a shot top corner on Cougars goaltender Kate Holan.
It marked Simon's 10th goal and 20th point in her career, moving her ahead of teammate Allee Isley and Makenna Schuttler (2021-24) for the program's career Canada West points lead. The goal is also the third short-handed tally of her career, moving her into a tie with Lauren Chiswell (2005-09) and Melody Howard (2006-09) for the program record across all eras.
"I've always been told when you work hard, you'll achieve things and get rewarded, so that's always been my mentality whether that's in practice or in games," said Simon.
Simon has been in the ultimate rut in the goal-scoring department this season – that short-handed marker was her first goal of the season and first since the second-last game, last year on Feb. 2 – a span of 18 games.
But one thing you can always count on with Simon is no matter how things are going offensively, you know Simon will give it her all each and every shift.
"It was getting frustrating. Every game, it seemed like I would do a lot of good things, but I just couldn't score, and it felt like it was going over and over like that every game. To finally get one and get that monkey off the back was nice," said Simon, who has scored three short-handed goals in her career.
It's been a tough season for the Griffins, who sit last in the Canada West East Division with a 2-15-2-1 record. They will look to snap their six-game losing streak when they face the Manitoba Bisons (11-7-2) this weekend (Friday, 7 p.m. and Saturday, 3 p.m., Downtown Community Arena, Canada West TV).
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Joie Simon scores a gorgeous short-handed goal to become the program's career @CanadaWest points leader and matches the all-time @GriffinsWHKY career SHG mark!#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/cTlfOduRba
— MacEwan Griffins Women's Hockey (@GriffinsWHKY) January 17, 2025
Simon and the Griffins are focused on gaining as many wins as they can during the second half of the schedule and build on it for next season.
"We need to stay positive. Losing is hard on everyone, but we're trying to focus on the positive side. We're young and we're learning a lot that we can take into next year," said Simon.
"Our focus is to play hard and still try to get as many wins as we can. If we can upset some teams and change up the standings, that will give us confidence, and we're going to do our best to try and do that."
Simon admits it's been a tough first-half of the season for her. The Bachelor of Science student juggled five classes in the first semester, and it took its toll on her, but she tried to not let it affect her play on the ice.
Now, Simon feels she's in space mentally where she can finish the season strong.
"This year has had its ups and downs. I've had a lot on my plate, but I just focused on school and when I came to the rink I tried to be prepared as much as possible and not worry about things that were going on," said Simon, who has future plans to become an elementary teacher when she graduates next year.
"I try to bring that (compete) every game. I feel like I'm getting back into the game I can play now."
Joie Simon celebrates her short-handed goal with teammates on Jan. 16 (Derek Harback photo).
Throughout Simon's time with MacEwan, she says she's learned an incredible amount on and off the ice, but the biggest thing she's learned is that as a student-athlete, there will always be some form of adversity to overcome.
"There's always going to be something going on, and you have to overcome and push through it," said Simon.
"Not being from (Edmonton), there was an adjustment, but I feel like I've adjusted well each year. Your friends and your teammates all become family, and it's important to lean on them when you need that support."
Simon said she only gets home to Flin Flon once during the season at Christmas time to visit her family, but she will be able to see them next weekend when the Griffins travel to Saskatoon to take on the Saskatchewan Huskies. Her parents are making the five-and-half hour drive to cheer her on.
Next season, Simon said they may even make a special trip to Edmonton to watch her play.
"It will be so nice to see them, as they don't get to watch me play very often. It's typically just the one weekend a year," said Simon.
"They plan to come to Edmonton next year. They promised me they'd come, because it's my last year."
