Heyink and Balkwill Playing Well for Southwest Wildcats

With all the hype surrounding local junior hockey players such as Seth Griffith, Dane Fox, and Kyle Hope, another group of Chatham-Kent hockey players is often overlooked in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League, Ontario’s top amateur loop for women.

Bothwell’s Katrina Heyink and Chatham’s Katie Balkwill are enjoying strong season’s for the struggling Southwest Wildcats.

Through 30 games, Balkwill has 3 goals and 3 assists with the Wildcats, who play out of Windsor. Heyink, a goaltender has registered 2 wins and 2 ties along with an 0.855 Save Percentage. Heyink is one of the first Kent County Fillies alumni to move on to a higher level of hockey.

In the past, other Chatham-Kent girls hockey players have advanced through the PWHL including Kasey Martin, Hokey Langan, and Ally Strickland.

As well, the PWHL has seen many women pass through the ranks to play internationally for Canada. The league which spans from Ottawa to Windsor, has three local entries, including the Southwest Wildcats, Bluewater Hawks, and London Devilettes.

Saturday the Southwest Wildcats lost 2-1 on the road to the Oakville Hornets. Katrina Heyink made 31-saves in the loss for the Wildcats.