JILL SAULNIER
Position: Forward
Hometown: Halifax, N.S.
Birthdate: March 7, 1992
Club Team: Calgary Inferno (CWHL)

Road to Centralization
2000-02: Halifax (Novice)
2002-03: Halifax (Atom AAA)
2003-05: Halifax (Peewee AA)
2005-06: Halifax Hawks (Bantam A)
2006-07: Halifax Hawks (Midget A)
2007-08: Berkshire School (USHS)
2008-09: Stoney Creek Sabres (PWHL)
2009-11: Toronto Aeros (PWHL)
2011-15: Cornell University (ECAC)
2015-17: Calgary Inferno (CWHL)

Team Canada Experience
International debut: July 23, 2008 vs. Japan
Canada’s National Women’s Team (2014-16): 21GP 3G 6A 9P
Canada’s National Women’s Development Team (2010-17): 26GP 6G 15A 21P
Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team (2008-10): 19GP 5G 12A 17P

Olympic & World Championship Experience
2016 IIHF Women’s World Championship – 5GP 1G 2A 3P (silver medal)
2015 IIHF Women’s World Championship – 5GP 0G 1A 1P (silver medal)
2010 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship – 5GP 4G 6A 10P (gold medal)
2009 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championship – 5GP 0G 3A 3P (silver medal)

Who has played the biggest role in getting you to centralization?
“Definitely my family. I’m so incredibly thankful for all of the sacrifices that my parents made in order to help me make my dreams come true in representing this amazing country. I wouldn’t be living out this dream without the support and motivation every day from my brother, as well. His work ethic in everything he does and the support that he continues to give me along this incredible journey motivates and inspires me to work to be my very best every day.”

When did you decide you wanted to play for Team Canada?
“I started playing hockey when I was five years old and fell in love with the sport right away. I remember watching Team Canada win the Olympics in 2002 on my living room television and knew right there that one day I wanted to be on that team. There is no better feeling in the world than pulling the Team Canada jersey over your head and representing this country with the most amazing people, so to be able to be here right now, sharing this dream with such incredible people, is indescribable.” 

What is the most important thing hockey has given you?
“The friendships I have made. I fell in love with this sport, but it’s the people I have met and had the pleasure of playing with on my way to this dream that have made my experiences unforgettable. Being surrounded by people who share the same motivation and passion for the sport continues to challenge me to not only become the best athlete I can be, but also the best person I can be every day.”