Meaghan Mikkelson is a quick learner. The St. Albert, AB native played the forward position during the bulk of her minor hockey days. But in 2005-06, at the start of her third season at the University of Wisconsin, Mikkelson moved to the blue line. The move paid off, as she helped the Badgers win back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.

That was then and this is now. Mikkelson is part of a youth movement on Canada’s back end. She made her debut with the National Women’s Team at the 2007 Fall Festival and, later that season, went on to help Canada win a silver medal at the 2008 IIHF World Women’s Championship in Harbin, China. She’s shown versatility, having moved back up front when needed.

Make no mistake, though. Mikkelson is a defenceman. How could she not be, with her hockey bloodlines? Meaghan is the third member of her family to make some noise in hockey circles. Her father, Bill, played four seasons in the NHL with Los Angeles, the New York Islanders and Washington. Meaghan’s brother, Brendan, won a Memorial Cup with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants in 2007 and now plays in the Anaheim Ducks system.

AT A GLANCE
Date of birth: January 4, 1985
Daughter of: Bill and Betsy
Club team: Edmonton Chimos (WWHL)
Did you know: father Bill holds the record for worst plus-minus in NHL history – minus-82 for the 1974-75 Washington Capitals … represented Team Alberta at the 2003 Canada Winter Games