The Calgary Fire of the 'AAA' midget Alberta Female Hockey League resumes its season this Saturday against the Rocky Mountain Raiders after a brief schedule break. Among those eager to get back to business is Cochrane's Bailey Fiala.

Soon to turn 16, the Cochrane Minor Hockey product is enjoying her first year at the 'AAA' midget level after her defensive play with the Olds Bantam Elite team drew attention. But it all started here in Cochrane where Bailey nurtured her skills.

"Bailey has been a terrific addition to our line-up," says Fire head coach Terry Johnson.  "She is an excellent skater, strong on her feet and has a terrific work ethic. I am very comfortable playing her against the older/stronger players in the league because of her skating ability and defensive smarts."

Coach Johnson says Bailey's desire to improve is evident every time she steps on the ice.

"For me, her biggest attribute is the fact that she comes to each practice with a purpose – that being to get better. That character trait will carry her a long way in not only hockey but in her other endeavours."

Bailey agrees being with the Calgary Fire has helped her to continue to grow as a player.

"I think it’s great. I love my coaches. They’re very into hockey They love helping us improve and I think I’ve gotten so much better and the season is only halfway through."

The Bow Valley High student started playing at age 7, first with the boys and then joined the female program in peewees. She gives credit to Cochrane Minor Hockey for opening the door and speaks highly of the rapidly growing female program.

"I think it’s a really important part of why I’m excelling now," says Fiala. "Everything started here."

In particular, she centres out her peewee coach Lorne Bremner as one of the huge influences on her success in the sport.

Fiala not only praises the local program, but she is also there to helps coach and provide inspiration for the budding young players in her hometown.

Coach Bremner says Bailey plays a major role as a mentor, especially for those wanting to advance to the higher level leagues. Despite her tight schedule of school, homework and 'AAA' midget hockey, she seldom misses a practice, he notes.  She first assisted with the peewees while she was playing in Olds and is now with working with the atoms.

"We don’t take it easy on Bailey," says Bremner. "Usually she leads drills and she is right in there. They call her “Coach Bailey” and it’s great to have her out there. It’s massively important for the girls to see girls doing it."

The atom girls team want to send a little love her way, too, and plan to attend one of her games. The Fire play out of the Max Bell Arena.

"We’re going to rally the troops and get out and cheer on Bailey, for sure," says Bremner.

While in bantam, Bailey was selected for Hockey Alberta's Hockey Challenge in 2017 and played for Zone 3 in the 2018 Alberta Winter Games.

Hockey is certainly her passion but she does enjoy other sports. In lacrosse, she was an affiliate with the Jr. Female Silvertips last season and hopes to play for the team this year. She's also curling on a Bow Valley High team.