The word adversity is one Laura Stacey knows all too well.
It was just one year ago she was watching the IIHF Women's World Championship sitting on her parents couch, unable to even feed herself.
Fast forward one year and Stacey wrapped up her first season with the Canadian Women's Hockey League Brampton Thunder as the league's rookie of the year — leading all rookies with 24 points.
"It was a conference call with the Canadian coaches. I didn't know what it was going to be about, but they said we made the team. Shivers went down my spine," said Stacey.
She's suited up for Canada with the Under-18 team and the Under-22 development squad, but playing for the senior team in the world championship is the ultimate goal for Stacey.
"It's an absolute honour. Playing that first game against the U.S. and the crowd is roaring, your family is there cheering it is an unforgettable moment," said Stacey, who is the great granddaughter of Hockey Hall of Fame member King Clancy.
Playing alongside Olympians Meghan Agosta and Haley Irwin has helped Stacey settle into her role as a power forward who has a big shot and uses her size to create havoc for goaltenders.
Just over one year out from suffering from an injury that could have set a player back even further, Stacey is thankful for the opportunities she has been given.
From the time she was eight years old and saw her role model Cassie Campbell at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Stacey has been building and fighting for her moment.
The pain, tears and misfortune have all just been ways to show her true colours that match well in a red and white jersey.