Alexa Vasko: 2023 St. Catharines Athlete of the Year
Alexa Vasko was pleasantly surprised to learn she had been chosen as the 2023 St. Catharines Athlete of the Year.
The 25-year-old St. Catharines native, who is wrapping up her first season with the Torornto franchise of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, had no idea she was being considered for the award.
“I actually received a letter in the mail,” Vasko said while taking a break from cleaning her Toronto condo. “I thought it was a letter from my dad or a family member. I wasn’t too sure and then when I opened it I saw it was from the mayor, it took me by complete shock.
“Honestly, it took me aback and I called my parents right away. I had no idea so it was quite a shock.”
The Governor Simcoe graduate is thrilled to be recognized by her hometown.
“Obviously, it’s super special. I know it’s cliche but it really does take a village,” she said. “Growing up I played Kiwanis House League with the boys in St. Catharines and St. Catharines Chaos when it was called that. If it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t be where I am today and that’s a no-brainer.”
Vasko said she enjoyed a variety of sports growing up in St. Catharines.
“I did gymnastics at Gymnastics Energy and played (soccer) for the St. Catharines Jets. I did everything throughout the city and to be recognized by my sport of choice, and not only by my friends and family, but also by my community, it’s very special.”
Vasko collected a pair of goals in 24 regular season games for Toronto and is now in the midst of a playoff series versus Minnesota.
While winning is of paramount importance at the professional level, Vasko said helping build and grow the game of women’s hockey is also vital.
“As competitors we always want to win,” he said. “Obviously we want to win and hoist the Walter Cup and the inaugural championship, but at the same time, there is also a greater purse to this as well.”
Vasko said that really hit home recently when fans converged on the Mattamy Athletic Centre, the home of the Toronto franchise.
“I saw girls with signs, people rallying and it’s not only little girls, but it’s little boys as well,” she said. “It’s something we don’t take for granted. We’ve always paid attention to the little girls but to see the youngs boys and the families in the stands cheering your name, it’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing and now those little girls and little boys can dream that dream as well.”
Vasko is grateful to be part of the success of the PWHL.
“With the calibre of play and the athletes and the staff we have, we knew it would take off and do well, but I really think this has exceeded our expectations,” she said. “We were fortunate to play at Scotiabank (Centre), which we sold out in minutes, played in Pittsburgh, which was almost sold out, and Bell Centre also sold out in minutes.
“It’s been unbelievable. It’s taken off and for it to be the first year, I can’t even imagine in three, five, 10 years, down the road what this is going to be. I can’t wait to see where it goes.”
Vasko will be participating in a playoff game in Minnesota Monday and unable to accept her award in person. Her award will be accepted by her parents, Dennis and Dana Vasko, and her sister, Olivia Vasko, in a ceremony to be held before St. Catharines city council.
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 5,900 other stories found on our website, please consider hitting the Support Us button on the right-hand side of our home page and making a PayPal contribution to our website. Your support would be much appreciated. If you are a business owner, please consider advertising on our site. Our rates are reasonable and we provide plenty of exposure for your business. Contact bpotrecz@outlook.com for more information.
