All three siblings playing for the McGill Redbirds. Photo Supplied.
There’s not too many people in the world that can say they have three family members playing for the same university at the same time.
However, the Blanchard’s of Pelham can.
Max, Alex and Cassidy all play hockey for the McGill Redbirds after their high school hockey careers began at historic Ridley College in St. Catharines.
All three play defense for the Redbirds.
“I had committed to go to McGill when I was playing my last year at Sherbrooke (Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League),” said eldest brother Max, recently on the Niagara Sports Report on Newstalk 610 CKTB, when asked how the family’s connection to McGill all began.
“Once I was there I was already telling my siblings how great of a spot it was, not only for hockey but also school.
I give credit to my siblings because they earned their own spots on the team on their own merit.”
The eldest Blanchard has one goal and six assists in 11 games played this season.
Younger brother Alex soon followed suit, and was quick to point out that another Niagara native – David Urquart of Thorold – is the head coach with the Redbirds.
“We get to see each other more often during the summer and reconnect,” Alex said. “It’s also nice for the familiarity aspect of it. It definitely helps that we’re local, and he is too.”
The middle sibling has one assist in five games played thus far.
Cassidy, the youngest sister, credited former Team Canada player, Welland native, and Ridley Head Coach, Amanda Benoit-Wark, in helping her prepare for university hockey.
“Coach Wark helped me for three years at Ridley develop into the player I am today,” said the youngest Blanchard.
“I am very thankful for her, and just the girls at Ridley, and the support staff too, they helped me a lot with both academics and athletics.”
The youngest Blanchard is still looking for her first point as a Redbird.
All three siblings hope to continue playing hockey after they graduate from McGill.
Max is majoring in finance and may want to pursue a future in law.
Alex is studying commerce and majoring in finance but may want to look at policing upon graduation.
Cassidy is majoring in science, and hopes to attend Medical School to become a sports doctor after her hockey career ends.
Whether it’s on or off the ice the Blanchard’s will represent Niagara and Ridley proudly.
Max, for one, agreed with this reporter that Ridley may be one of the best kept secrets not only locally but abroad on just how spectacular the campus is.
“It was always so nice to walk around, the buildings are so beautiful. The new student centre is quite amazing. It made me want to be a student at Ridley again,” the eldest Blanchard said with a smile.
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
