Burlington Olympians skate with fans during hometown celebration

They were lined up out the door and into the parking lot, all for Olympic hockey legends Renata Fast and Emma Maltais who returned home to a hero’s welcome at the Appleby Ice Centre in Burlington today, sharing their silver medal with the community that gave them their start.

“I’m so proud to be from Burlington, grew up playing hockey in Burlington,” said Maltais.

“This is what it’s all about, is to be able to celebrate with the community behind you. So, thank you,” said Fast.

Hockey fans waited patiently and excited for the chance to meet their heroes – Fast and Maltais. Those that brought their skates and helmets got to cut the ice with them too.

“To share this with the community is really special. You see the growth of women’s hockey everywhere and you can see it with the young girls here,” said Maltais.

There were Fast and Maltais jerseys throughout the Appleby Ice Centre today, ready to be signed and treasured by their fans – knowing their hockey careers started in their hometown with the Burlington Barracudas Girls Hockey Club.

“It’s pretty special, honestly. Just thinking about myself as a young girl and being able to be around some of my role models. Now being in that position for others, I think we all take a lot of pride in that. And we realize how special it is if we can make an impact on someone,” said Fast.

This event was hosted by the City of Burlington to celebrate what Mayor Marianne Meed Ward calls “two world class athletes” who trained right here in Burlington.

“This is a huge deal because hockey still tends to be a male dominated sport but we have seen, now, the incredible interest around the world. And the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) sells out,” said Meed Ward.

The moment was not lost on those fans who grew up playing without the PWHL — knowing athletes like Maltais and Fast are now carrying the torch.

Maltais and Fast are Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL. Puck drops this Friday at 7 p.m. in Toronto versus the Boston Fleet.

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