ANN-SOPHIE BETTEZ

MONTREAL - Hard work really does pay off.

That's certainly the case for Les Canadiennes' forward Ann-Sophie Bettez.
Bettez will join Team Canada for a three-game series against the Americans beginning on February 12.
It will mark the Sept-Îles, QC native's first appearance with the Hockey Canada program since 2010. Back then, Bettez played five games with the Under-22 squad at the MLP Cup. She finished the tournament with one goal and four points.
Following the Team Canada announcement, Bettez was at a loss for words. She didn't know if being named to the team really happened, or it was just fiction.
"I asked myself if I was dreaming or if it was really true," explained Bettez. "I wasn't expecting that. I was really surprised and happy."
After realizing the significance of the news, Bettez wasted little time letting her biggest fans know she would soon be representing her country again.
"First, I told my parents and my family. They were there for me the whole way, whether it be the money they spent or the time they sacrificed for me," mentioned Bettez. "Giving them the news was a bit of a reward to show them that their efforts paid off."
At age 31, Bettez is the second-oldest player on the team after goaltender Shannon Szabados.
Shifting focus
Unlike many players on Team Canada, Bettez also holds down a full-time job. She works as a financial advisor in Montreal.
She knows, however, that she'll have to focus squarely on hockey in the coming weeks and months.
"It also involves a lot of changes, because when you're a member of the National Team, you have to train as much on the ice as you do off it. The 24 hours I have in a day won't get any longer," said Bettez. "I'll have to change my priorities a bit. I talked to the people in my office and they're comfortable with the new structure that I bring and they're going to support me in the years ahead."
Speaking of her work colleagues, they've been behind her from the start and have helped her reach her goals.
"I explained the situation and they told me: "It's your dream. We're there for you." When you're a part of a team, it changes the way you plan your life, but also the way you handle things with your work group," explained Bettez. "I'm happy that they're all there to support me. They're like a second family for me."
Familiar territory
Bettez will be among familiar faces when she joins Team Canada. Five other players from Les Canadiennes will also be suiting up for the squad, including Marie-Philip Poulin, Erin Ambrose, Jillian Saulnier, Geneviève Lacasse and Emerance Maschmeyer.

The former McGill University standout is always open to listen to their advice.
"They already have experience on the international scene and the fact that they can offer up constructive comments will definitely help me and the whole team," affirmed Bettez. "When you look at the determination and the motivation that these girls bring to every practice, both on the ice and off it, they're always working to surpass themselves and get better. That's what motivates us the most. These girls were able to get there because they worked hard and they earned it. I'd say work ethic is the most important thing."
Bettez is also performing quite well in the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL). She could finish among the Top 5 point-getters for a seventh consecutive season. Bettez currently ranks second with 16 goals and 43 points in 23 games. Only teammate Marie-Philip Poulin is ahead of her.
In 166 career CWHL games, Bettez boasts an impressive 117 goals and 259 points, along with a plus-183 differential.
The speedy forward is hoping to continue enjoying herself with the Canadian side.
"It will be about having fun to start. The play will definitely get more and more elevated and everything will be faster and more physical. But, it's still hockey at the end of the day. If I got here, it's because I'm passionate about the sport and I enjoy it," stressed Bettez. "It's about keeping that same mentality. I don't want to look too far ahead. I'm really going step by step and game by game."
The series between Canada and the United States will get underway on February 12 in London, ON. The second game will be played on February 14 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, before wrapping up with the third and final contest on February 17 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Photo credit: Céline Gélinas