Irwin heading to worlds

Haley Irwin and Team Canada have some unfinished business to attend to, starting this weekend in Burlington, Vt.

Irwin and her teammates have descended on the New England city, where the women’s world hockey championship kicks off on Saturday, determined to take back the gold they lost last year to the host Americans.

“When it comes to world championships, the last couple of years we haven’t been bringing home the gold and this year that’s our goal,” said Irwin, who recently wrapped up a four-year career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where she finished as the fifth-leading scorer in Bulldogs history, compiling 79 goals and 206 points in just 134 games.

“I think as a team we just have to buy into the system, trust into the system, with players stepping up into different roles and stepping up as a whole as a team.”

Irwin, who had two goals and two assists at last year’s championship said those same rules apply to her at this year’s event.

“I just have to be prepared to play different positions, play different roles,” she said. “It might change from game to game. But whatever role I’m in, I just make sure I’m bringing my best and make sure I’m helping my team to victory.”

It’s been a bit of an emotional year for the 23-year-old Irwin, who leaves behind her university career and looks to take the next step in her hockey career.

“It was a great four years, it flew by, but I’m also excited and ready to move, to start the next chapter of my life, wherever that might bring me,” she said.

Asked just what those plans are, and Irwin isn’t quite sure, but she is certain she’ll be playing hockey somewhere.

“That’s a great question,” she said. “It’s probably not something I’ll think too much about until after the world championships, but obviously it involves playing in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. It’s just a matter of where.”

Irwin and Team Canada take on the United States on Saturday. Games can be seen on TSN.