New Canadian student enjoying unique opportunity through Hockey 4 Youth

Social Science Psychology profile student Jericho (Thelma) Meuyanui Chenui has enjoyed a unique program for young newcomers through Hockey 4 Youth. The organization welcomes new Canadians by providing free on-ice and off-ice programming. They have 11 programs in six cities across Canada and have worked with more than 500 newcomers, supporting kids from 42 different countries.

After taking part in NHL All Star week festivities in Toronto in February with 19 other Hockey 4 Youth newcomer students, Jericho was interviewed by CBC.

Dawson’s Communications Office also interviewed Jericho about her hockey experience and life at Dawson. We did a second interview with her Hockey 4 Youth coach and program coordinator Nayyara Noor Shabbir (Dawson alumna in Studio Arts).

Interview with Jericho

Tell me all about your hockey life! How old were you when you started? How did you get involved in playing hockey? What team(s) do you play on? What do you like best about hockey?

Jericho: I started hockey when I was 17 years old and I got involved with the sport when I was in high school at Henri Bourassa. Hockey 4 Youth started a program at my school and they invited some girls, most of which I recognized from being in the welcome classes for immigrants and just learned about the sport from there. I haven’t played on any teams yet because I’m sort of still learning how to play but I kind of have the basics of the game, I currently just practice with the program when I have the time.

The thing I like best about the sport is how it brings people together, especially here in Canada. You can see how many people love the sport and how it’s deeply rooted in Canadian tradition, and I just find it so cool that I had the chance to learn this sport that Canadians love so much, but also the players, since the PWHL started, I’ve really been into the players. I just find them all so amazing and inspiring.

What is your involvement in Hockey 4 Youth? What impact has it made on you? What have been the highlights so far? What opportunities were opened to you?

Jericho: If I’m understanding this question correctly, my involvement in the program started as me learning the sport of hockey around 2021 and then when I got to CEGEP, it became difficult to go to the practices we have on Wednesdays because of my schedule so I started going to the other program they opened not long ago and volunteering with the girls that are learning there. It’s made a positive impact on me because I don’t really meet people, around my age who are people of colour and learning the sport of hockey very often or many people of colour in the sport of hockey anyway and I really enjoy seeing people just like me getting into this sport and really enjoying just like I am.

The highlights so far have to be meeting the PWHL players, first at the All-Star Event and then at their recent game in Montreal where they played against Ottawa, I usually just see them on TV or social media so seeing them up close and playing in front of my eyes is just crazy to me but I like it a lot. From joining the program, I’ve not only got to learn about the sport and its players but also meet people who are trying to make it more inclusive. I like meeting people and hearing their stories, so I find that to be a cool opportunity.

What difference has it made to you to be an athlete and play hockey?

Jericho: It hasn’t made much of a difference to me because I did a lot of sports growing up so I’m sort of used to the athlete lifestyle but playing hockey is really different. I’m mainly thinking about the equipment, compared to other sports I’ve played, the equipment with hockey is definitely equipment, it’s a lot but I suppose that’s why people work so hard to play it. All the equipment makes me want to try harder knowing I’m protected, and people have worked hard to make the equipment what it is now. With that in mind I just feel like working hard to learn this sport and getting better, especially with the help I’m receiving. And of course, the culture of hockey in Canada, knowing it definitely helps me feel like I’m included although I do wish more people weren’t as surprised to see people like me in the sport.

Tell me about your life at Dawson- program/profile of study, what are you involved in at Dawson- any clubs or athletics and extracurriculars, what do you like best about Dawson?

Jericho: My profile is Psychology and I’ve been a student since 2022. I started in the Fall session in Continuing Education, and switched to the day program the following year. I haven’t really looked at athletics and extracurriculars, because I’m pretty bad with time management and tend to have a lot of classes so I haven’t really had the time to do those things. I think what I like best about Dawson is the students, the location of the school, and the atmosphere. Seeing people from different places and backgrounds with different goals all meeting together in one place to further their education is so cool, I find a lot of things cool (considering I’ve said this multiple times now) but being in Montreal, I just get so amazed by everything the city has to offer.

What are your future plans for further studies and/or a career path?

Jericho: I plan to become a psychologist and to get a PhD in psychology and if I’m lucky, further my knowledge in hockey (I know it’s not easy to become professional but anything is possible).

What do you see as the value of playing hockey or other team sports as a student?

Jericho: Getting connected with other people and also being able to better your skills while also managing school. It lets people know that they have a home to return to or family, plus you get to open your doors to new experiences that people might not be able to get as just students.

Interview with coach Nayyara Noor Shabbir

What did you like best about Dawson? What difference did your Dawson experience make to you? Who were your favourite teachers and what were your favourite courses?

Nayyara: When I think back to my years at Dawson, what stands out the most is the sense of campus life. There were countless resources available to the students, someone we could go to if I needed help – academic related or not. The club spaces were also a very welcoming environment to socialize and connect with others. I am still in touch with friends I made from college, some 10 years later. There were some tough times adjusting to college life, but I think overcoming them helped me grow and learn many lessons.

Some of my favourite courses were The Power of Nonviolent Communication and the Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy of Sport. A few teachers that stand out are Rosemary Barrett and Cindy Starzenski. I remember them as open-minded and caring individuals, who were passionate about their work.

Why are you involved in Hockey 4 youth? How are you involved with Jericho? Coach for which team?

Nayyara: I have been playing hockey my whole life and also enjoy teaching what I love, so the role of hockey coach fits seamlessly. I have seen how there is an entire group of youth who are being left out of hockey. There are so many barriers that prevent them from getting into hockey. Cost, gender and culture are a few that come to mind. For newcomers to Canada or sidelined youth, they will not have the same opportunity to play the sport. Growing up, my sisters and I were always the only girls on the rink, and so now, being able to coach two diverse all-girls programs is so special. Among the girls I coach is Jericho, who I started coaching back in 2021.

What are you doing these days in your career/studies and in your sports life?

Nayyara: I graduated from Concordia University back in 2020 and started working at Hockey 4 Youth soon after. Apart from coaching two times a week, I play hockey in an all-women’s rec league and play outdoors in the winter most days of the week. I also began running in 2020 and have completed two half-marathons. Last year, I joined the PWSL, an all-women’s soccer league in Pierrefonds. So I guess my sports life is pretty packed.

What would you like to tell me about Jericho as a player?

Nayyara: Jericho is one of the most dedicated and self-motivated players I have had the privilege of coaching. She has a desire to improve and shows up at every practice with a smile on her face, ready to learn. Balancing college and sports life isn’t easy, but she has managed to do so, excelling at both. She is a motivation to many of our younger girls, who see her as an example of perseverance and someone who never shies away from a challenge. I am especially proud of how much she is willing to push herself out of her comfort zone and try new things. It can be scary at times, being in a space where you don’t normally see others like yourself. But Jericho has done so with confidence. It has been a privilege watching Jericho grow and find her place in the hockey community.

How do you see this opportunity for Jericho? 

Nayyara: I see this opportunity as one that will open many doors for Jericho in the future. She will be able to share her hockey story with others who are also interested in trying the sport but are finding obstacles in their way. Her journey will no doubt inspire the next generation of young girls to take up space where they don’t normally see themselves, and never give up.

Anything else you would like to tell me?

Nayyara: Hearing my girls say things like “I want to be the first woman of colour on my college hockey team” or “I can’t wait to tell all the boys who belittle my hockey journey that I got to meet Marie-Philip Poulin (also a Dawson alumna) and Connor McDavid and take selfies with them!” are things that make my heart warm. Everyone’s journey looks different, but that doesn’t make it any less valuable. I am so proud of my girls for pushing through the discomfort of being the first and taking up space in the hockey world. They are unknowingly inspiring the next generation of diverse young girls. If you can see it, you can be it.