International
Canadian men’s and women’s hockey teams announced for 2019 FISU Winter Universiade
U SPORTS sits down with the athletes set to don the maple leaf at the World University Games in Krasnoyarsk, Russia in our interview series “Getting to know…”
- Name: Glenn Venance
- School: University of Alberta
- Sport (years): Curling (17 years)
- Program: Education
- Hometown: Kitscoty, Alta.
1. What are your thoughts on representing Team Canada at a major international event, and most specifically at the 2019 FISU Winter Universiade?
It’s an absolute honour. Coming from a town of approximately 700 people, I never thought I would have the opportunity to experience representing Canada on the world stage. It just isn’t something that people from my area do very often. That makes it very special for me personally. This experience also makes me feel proud to be a Canadian in general. The thought of playing the sport I love with a maple leaf on my back is just incomprehensible. I’m just so proud to represent this great country.
One other aspect that I am excited for is growing the brand of Canadian university sport. I think our athletes are often overshadowed by the NCAA or professional sports, and that’s not right. We have so many talented athletes that end up competing at the highest levels of their respective sports, and we should be showcased as such. I think the 2019 Winter Universiade really affords us the opportunity to show the world what kind of talent we have in this country at the university level. We are not some kind of backseat, throw-together group of people. We are talented, dedicated, and motivated to reach the highest levels of our sports, and I think the 2019 Winter Universiade can help showcase what we can do.
2. Is this the first time you have been selected to represent Canada on the international stage or at the Universiade? Current track record (national and/or international)?
The 2019 Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk is the first time I will represent Canada on the international stage.
3. What are you most looking forward to in Krasnoyarsk, Russia outside of the competition?
I am really looking forward to attending other sporting events, and cheering on our Canadian companions. I haven’t had the opportunity to watch things like alpine skiing, biathlon, or speed skating before, so seeing them will be exciting. I have also been looking up bandy, and it looks wicked, so I’d love to attend one of those games as well. There just aren’t many sporting events of this magnitude in the world, so I really want to soak in the multi-sport experience, and cheer my fellow teammates on!
I am also excited to experience the food and culture associated with Russia. I would never have visited Krasnoyarsk without this experience, so I think this is a great opportunity to immerse myself in a new and exciting part of the world!
4. What are your personal and/or team goals for this Universiade?
Personally, I just want to give my best effort. I want to leave this event knowing that I could not have done anything more to help our chances, and if that means we do not become champions, then I can live with that. I just want to leave the 2019 Winter Universiade with no regrets surrounding my efforts.
In terms of team goals, I think it is safe to say we are shooting for a playoff spot. We expect ourselves to play at a high level, and know what kind of play we are capable of. We expect ourselves to be in the mix at the end of the week. Shooting to make the playoff round is a realistic goal that gives us a chance to bring a gold medal home for Canada.
5. Do you have a nickname in your sport?
Glenny, Glenny and the Jets
6. What are you listening to right now / what is your pump-up music?
I honestly listen to a little bit of everything. Coming from small town Alberta, I have to have a little bit of country in there. Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Marin Morris, Alan Jackson, and Thomas Rhett are all personal favorites. If I’m sitting down for a night with friends, you can guarantee I’m throwing country through the speakers.
Before a game, I am way more into EDM, rap, and classic rock though. I love mashups of EDM songs, with my favourite artist being Avicii. Then if you toss in a little AC/DC you’ve got my pre-game mix.
7. Current favorite TV show?
The TV show I am watching right now is The Office. I’m on my second run through, and it’s just as funny as the first. My favorite show of all time though has to be Corner Gas. There are so many things that remind me of life back home in Kitscoty, and it’s just way too funny not to mention. It’s also Canadian, so that’s a huge plus.
8. What message would you like to share with Team Canada followers / the U SPORTS community?
I first want to thank all of the University of Alberta, our support staff at the Saville Community Sports Centre, and, most of all, and our coaches. We would not be able to do what we do without their support, and they are the one’s sacrificing for us to chase our dreams. They are the ones that really deserve the recognition; we’re just lucky enough to go play the games.
I also want to thank the parents of our teams. You guys are following us across the world for this event, and I’d say I’m surprised, but you’ve done this countless times before. Having your support means the world to us, and I think I can speak for everyone on this team in saying that we would not be here without you guys.
To all of our fans, and Curling Canada supporters. Thank you in advance for your cheers and well wishes! We are going to do our best to bring home a medal for Canada!
To the U SPORTS community - thank you for taking in curling as a discipline. The U SPORTS level is becoming a vital development ground for future stars of our game, and it presents us with the opportunity to play on a larger stage. Your support of our game is truly making an impact, so thank you.