‘So excited and so proud:’ N.S community cheers on hometown hero Blayre Turnbull

Blayre Turnbull’s family and friends come out to support the hometown hockey hero.

A crowd of supportive community members gathered in Blayre Turnbull’s hometown of Stellarton, N.S., to cheer her on as she competes in Italy.

The ice hockey star won a silver medal in 2018 and a gold in 2022, and is representing Canada for the third time.

It was a proud moment for her family who marvels at her dedication both on and off the ice.

“It’s been awesome to see her fulfill her dreams,” says Kayla McGillivray, Turnbull’s cousin. “We couldn’t be more proud of her and excited for her.”

“The community’s so excited. It’s so nice to just walk into local businesses or schools around the town, everybody’s always cheering for her and rooting for her. Whether it’s a sign or stopping a family member on the street to talk about it. So that’s really great as well.”

Turnbull’s aunt, Linda Turnbull, says it started as a humble dream in her Stellarton neighbourhood.

“There’s a little pond by their house and she used to go out there with her brother and the neighbourhood children and play hockey. And I think that sort of made her a little more competitive of where she is now in playing hockey, because she had to outdo her brother of course,” she says.

“We are so excited and so proud of Blayre. There’s just no words to describe what a genuine person she really is.”

Some of Turnball’s family members are supporting her in Italy.

MacGillivray says those who couldn’t make it will continue to cheer her on.

“She knows that we’re all here rooting for her from home, and we wish we could be there too. But we’re looking forward to the game today,” says MacGillivray,

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