Two talented hockey players from the London area express their excitement at fulfilling their childhood aspirations of representing Canada at the Winter Olympics in Italy next month. Julia Gosling and Ella Shelton, former members of the London Devilettes, are part of Team Canada’s 26-player roster for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, commencing on February 6.
Shelton, a defenseman for the Toronto Sceptres in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), described the moment she received the news as unforgettable. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “It’s a significant moment that athletes wait for years. To receive that call again is remarkable.” Shelton reminisced about her childhood dream of donning the Team Canada jersey, emphasizing the joy she felt at realizing this dream.
This marks Shelton’s second Winter Games appearance, having contributed to Canada’s gold medal win at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. On the other hand, Gosling, a forward for the Seattle Torrent, will make her Olympic debut this year. Excited about the entire experience, Gosling expressed her anticipation of participating in the Olympics, a dream she has cherished since childhood.
The camaraderie and competition within the PWHL have been extraordinary experiences for Shelton and Gosling, with immense support from fans and the hockey community. Shelton, who scored the first-ever goal in PWHL history in 2024, acknowledged the upcoming competition against her American teammates turned rivals as both challenging and enriching. She highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit among players.
Gosling is set to face five of her Seattle teammates at the Olympics, an aspect she finds “a bit peculiar” but not unfamiliar. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the game while competing for the country, citing familiarity with her opponents’ playing styles as an advantage.
Former coach Ted Brown praised Shelton and Gosling as inspirations to current players, noting the positive impact on morale and effort within the team. Their accomplishments serve as motivation for aspiring athletes, showcasing the possibilities in women’s hockey. The pair’s success resonates with young players, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, dreams can be realized.
As they prepare for the Olympics through training camps and rivalry games with the U.S., Shelton and Gosling are optimistic about their performance. Gosling offered advice to young women pursuing professional hockey, urging them to believe in their abilities and persevere, emphasizing that hard work and passion lead to the fulfillment of dreams.