BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Lockerby Vikings and Sudbury Lady Wolves hockey player Samantha
Stortini knows how to stick out in a crowd.
She's been doing it all her life.
As a child, Stortini (the younger sister of former Sudbury
Wolves' captain Zack), played seven years of organized hockey
against boys. Stortini was such a force that she even ended up
playing AAA boys' hockey.
Now, she's one of the top female players in Sudbury and is
tearing up the high school Division I league as well as having
a strong season on her club team, the Lady Wolves. In her first
six games with Lockerby, Stortini had 14 goals.
With the Lady Wolves, playing in the Nickel District Hockey
League - AA Midget division, Stortini had six goals, 16 points
and 36 penalty minutes in her first 28 games.
Playing against boys helped form her game and turn her into a
fierce competitor.
"Playing with the guys was quite an accomplishment," said the
17-year-old. "It really improved my skills...it made me
tougher. I had no problems adjusting...the guys made me feel
comfortable."
Watching and hearing stories about Zack's adventures on the ice
made Stortini want to pursue a career in hockey.
"Zack is definitely the reason I started playing," said the
Grade 12 student. "Zack and my dad (Tim) were the biggest
influences on me. They made me into what I am today. They
taught me the game and showed me what it meant to have passion
at everything I do."
With Lockerby, Stortini plays centre. With the Lady Wolves, she
anchors the defence. She loves the challenge of switching
positions.
"I love hockey...everything about it," said Stortini. "I love
to play it, I love to watch it and be involved in it. I love
playing for both teams. It allows me to work on different
aspects of my overall game and constantly improve. With
Lockerby, we want to go to OFSAA. With the Lady Wolves, we want
to win a provincial championship."
Stortini doesn't make any bones about the way she plays - with
an edge and almost always rough-and-tumble.
"I'm a hard worker and I am aggressive," said the
five-foot-nine player. "I like to be in your face and challenge
opponents. I play with a lot of emotion. I also love a good
challenge and I love to compete and win. These things push me
to become a better player each day."
Lockerby coach Kerry Abols is glad to have Stortini on his
side.
"Samantha is a well-rounded player," said Abols. "She's a
dominant player and can set the tone for our team every game.
Samantha has a really strong shot and she really stands out on
the ice...compared to other girls and even guys."
Stortini has a big role on the Vikings squad.
"She's a leader for us," said the coach. "On game days, the
girls will ask me if Samantha is playing and it completely
changes the entire demeanour of our club...she gets them
going."
Stortini is hoping to parlay her on ice success this season
into a scholarship to a NCAA Division I school or top Canadian
university.
"One of my goals is to get a scholarship...and play at the next
level," said Stortini. "I've been talking to quite a few NCAA
and Canadian schools. I'm waiting for the best offer. It
doesn't matter where I go as long as I am playing hockey. 
I want to play for the Canadian women's Olympic team one
day."
Stortini doesn't see making the Olympics as that far of a
stretch.
"I set my goals high...I set my standards high," said the
forward/defender. "It helps me stay focused. I'm never
satisfied with what I have already accomplished...I always want
to improve."
