Tanya Quaglia
SPORTS WRITER

annon Davis may be retired as a Windsor Lancer, but her hockey career is far from over. This August, Davis will be traveling to the Czech Republic to play in the Challenger Cup.

The Challenger Cup is considered a semi-professional tournament and features many top teams and players. Teams from North America feature players from Canadian Universities, NCAA and Junior AAA teams, while their European counterparts often send their Olympic athletes to the tournament. Playing overseas in a high-calibre tournament such as the Challenger Cup is a huge opportunity for Davis and she is excited about the experience.

“This is an opportunity of a life time,” Davis said. “I think what I am looking forward to is making new friends, the experience to play hockey there, and also getting to visit the place. It will be pretty awesome.”

Davis completed her final season as a Lancer this past year. During her five seasons with the Lancers, she brought plenty of skill and talent to the lineup. In 130 games with Windsor, Davis recorded 87 points, including a league-leading 19-goal season in 2009-2010.

That same season, Davis was also selected to the OUA All-Star team, where she scored a goal in a 4-2 victory over the Canadian Under 18 hockey team. Her time at the University of Windsor has built Davis into the player she is today.

The Challenger Cup will give Davis a chance to show off her skills in Europe. And with European scouts in attendance, Davis is hoping for a successful tournament.

“I don’t want to put to much pressure on myself,” she said. “I want to go enjoy the experience and see where life goes from there … but you never know who is watching and with Euro scouts that will be pretty cool to try and show off my abilities.”

“My goal is to go have fun, play the game I’ve been taught my entire life, play the game I love, and see if anything can come out of it. I’ve been working out, and would like to see if I could get some goals.”

In addition to playing hockey, the team will be touring the city, shopping, attending a tournament party and going on a dinner cruise.

“I’m really interested to seeing the famous Astronomical Clock in Old Town,” Davis said. “Also, I can’t wait to see how historical this place is. … the buildings are so old, so that will be exciting.”

Playing overseas has always been a dream for the 24-year old, and when she received an e-mail about the tournament she quickly talked to her father about the opportunity.

“It was funny when they send out the e-mail. I was thinking, ‘Wouldn’t that be cool to go and play in Europe?’ I told my dad about it and he said, ‘Happy graduation gift!’”

With the tournament fast approaching, Davis is busy preparing for the trip. Not one to take anything for granted, Davis realizes how lucky she is to be living out her dream.

“It is coming really quick. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m getting all my flights and everything I need for my trip and next thing I know I will be on my way there.

I’m pretty lucky I tell you. Some kids dream of doing what I’m going to be
doing!”

Davis is the only Lancer playing in the tournament. The Challenge Cup runs from Aug. 5-12.