For Jessie Eldridge, representing Canada at the upcoming IIHF Women's World Championships would be a dream come true.
For now, though, the Barrie native is happy to soak in the experience she's had playing with our national team against Team USA in the 2019-20 Rivalry Series.
"It's definitely a big aspiration of mine, but every day it's taking it day-by-day and enjoying this experience as it is," said the 22-year-old, who, along with her Canadian teammates, wrapped up the five-game series this past weekend in Anaheim, Calif. "You work so hard to get here, you don't want to look too far ahead as it is and just enjoy the moment. I'm really trying to soak that all in and then worry about (what's next)."
The former Barrie Sharks player was one of 15 forwards invited by Hockey Canada to represent Canada in the final three games of the series.
After two American wins to kick off the series in December, Canada defeated the U.S., 3-2, in overtime last Monday in Victoria, B.C., before falling, 3-1, in Vancouver two night later.
The United States wrapped the series with a 4-3 overtime win over Canada on Saturday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Eldridge earned an assist on Melodie Daoust's second-period goal when she jumped on a turnover in the U.S. end and sent a cross-crease pass to Daoust.
Including the two-game series in Pittsburgh in November, the Canadians posted three wins and an overtime loss in seven games against their rivals this season.
"The big lesson I've learned is that you control what you can control," the five-foot-eight, 170-pound forward said of earning a roster spot for Canada at the worlds. "You get caught up with all the other stuff, then you're just in a mental hole and it's no fun to be in. You just go out and enjoy the day."
Eldridge admits there were a few butterflies those first few shifts, but some help along the way got her through her early nerves.
"I think I've been fortunate, a lot of these girls I've played with so far this year," she said. "Just having them make this environment as comfortable to me as possible has been awesome for that. It definitely took a couple of shifts to breath and have that sigh of relief, and then get into your game."
Besides she had to, with how fast things were moving out there.
"The pace, you know it's going to be quick, but until you're out there you don't really see it," said the former captain of the Colgate Raiders women's university hockey team, who set a school record with 74 goals and 89 assists for 163 points in 153 games.
Eldridge holds or shares 10 different Colgate program records and was named the Colgate Athletics Athlete of the Year in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
"I'm a smart player with a good hockey IQ, but also one that likes to hunt the puck," she said of the type of game she brings. "A go-getter, a bit of dog-on-the-bone type mentality and just go make plays."
Eldridge knows that's what got her the invite to play with Canada.
"You come in and you know the type of player you are and what assets you bring to the team, and it helps with success," she said. "Being comfortable with that is the most important part and they've helped and done an awesome job in helping me feel that way coming in, so you go out there and, at the end of the day, it's the same hockey game you've been playing your entire life."
The past 10 days have been quite the experience and it means a lot that Hockey Canada saw enough in her game to give her the opportunity to earn a spot with the national team.
" I think any young girl watching TV, it's a dream of hers to see her idols out there," Eldridge said. "And being able to actually be on the ice wearing that jersey is always something you've dreamed of and until it happens, you never really knows what it feels like or how much it means to you."
Eldridge has had plenty of support over the years, especially from her parents, Duane and Lisa, and brother, Kyle. It's been a huge boost knowing friends and family stayed up late to watch her play.
"They're awesome," she said. "My dad came out for the first two games in Victoria and Vancouver, but I wouldn't be here without (my parents) and they continue to be my No. 1 fans.
"I think I've had so many people back home stay up late. With the time change it's more difficult, but they've stayed up to watch the games and I get messages from them, and that means the world to me."
Eldridge hopes her taking the ice with the national team will be an inspiration for other young female players back home that they too can one day step on the ice to represent their country.
"I've really enjoyed the opportunity and it goes to show you that when you set your mind to something, you go out and work hard, it can be done," she said. "I think it's awesome to be able to be that role model for young girls in Barrie and a little further north in Ontario."
This year's world championships will be held in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, from March 31 to April 10.
