London-based hockey players Julia Gosling and Ella Shelton express their excitement about fulfilling their childhood dreams by representing Canada at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. The duo, who previously played for the London Devilettes, are part of Team Canada’s roster for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, commencing on Feb. 6.
Shelton, a defenseman for the Toronto Sceptres in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), shared her elation upon receiving the news, emphasizing the significance of the moment and the long wait for such an opportunity. Reflecting on her journey from a young fan to a Team Canada player, Shelton expressed her gratitude for the chance to live out her childhood aspirations.
Having secured gold at the 2022 Beijing Games, Shelton aims to defend Canada’s championship title at this year’s Winter Olympics. On the other hand, Gosling, a forward for the Seattle Torrent, is thrilled for her first Olympic experience, eagerly anticipating the entire event, including the village atmosphere and the opening ceremonies.
Both players highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the PWHL, emphasizing the support received from fans and the hockey community. As they prepare for the Winter Olympics, they anticipate facing their American teammates as rivals on the ice, noting the valuable learning opportunities that come with such encounters.
Gosling acknowledged the unique experience of competing against her Seattle teammates, emphasizing the shift from friendship to competition when representing one’s country. Their former coach, Ted Brown, praised Gosling and Shelton for inspiring young players within the organization, demonstrating that dreams in women’s hockey are achievable with hard work and perseverance.
Chelsea Jongeneelen, president of the London Devilettes Girls Hockey Association, emphasized the inspirational impact of Gosling and Shelton’s achievements on current and future athletes, highlighting the attainability of dreams in women’s hockey. The duo continues to inspire the next generation of female players with their dedication and success on the ice, encouraging aspiring athletes to believe in themselves and their abilities.
As they gear up for the Winter Olympics, Gosling and Shelton remain determined and confident in their performance, having undergone rigorous training camps and rivalry games with the U.S. They emphasize the importance of hard work, enjoyment, and belief in achieving one’s dreams, serving as role models for aspiring female hockey players worldwide.