OSHAWA, Ont. – After completing her rookie season with the Ontario Tech women's hockey team, Kiana Danielson (Homalco First Nations, B.C.) is bringing a silver medal back to Oshawa after competing with Team Caribbean at the inaugural Dream Nations Cup.

Introduced by CCM, Dream Nations Cup was hosted at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This pioneering invitational presents a chance to shine a spotlight on the evolution of hockey in non-traditional hockey markets. 

"I was thrilled and honoured when I was asked to play for Team Caribbean," said Danielson. "Growing up on Vancouver Island, B.C., you lose that sense of cultural identity. In fact, I've never played with or even met another Jamaican there, or anyone with Caribbean ancestry besides my Dad, so to come together with others who share the same culture was beyond what I can describe in words."

Her presence was felt throughout the round-robin phase as she contributed three points, propelling Team Caribbean to a perfect 3-0 record. Not only was she contributing to the team's success on the ice, but Team Caribbean coach Jazmine Miley said that Danielson exceeded their standards on and off the ice. 

"Not only was she a role model for our younger players, but she was also one of our most needed players when the time came for her to step up," said Miley.  

Danielson continued to be a bright spot as the competition intensified. She delivered a goal in the semifinals against Team First Nations, helping guide her team to the finals. The best two of three series was tightly contested, as they needed all three games to crown a champion. Danielson extended her impact into the final series, scoring in game one against Team Netherlands. Despite a hard-fought series, Team Caribbean fell short in the decisive game three, falling to the Dutch.
 
Danielson was instrumental in helping Team Caribbean finish second while contributing five points in seven games, finishing twelfth in tournament scoring. 

Despite not having any previous connections with the team, Danielson utilized her experiences during her first year with the Ridgebacks to help bring the team together on short notice.

"There were a couple of other girls just finishing high school, so I was able to use the welcoming experience I received from Ontario Tech to help them feel valued, accepted, and a part of the team," said Danielson. "Also, one thing that I love about Ontario Tech is our Ridgeback spirit and pride, which holds so much value and purpose when coming together with this new National team, in being uplifting and encouraging, and bringing that team spirit."

In August, you can catch Danielson and the rest of Team Caribbean at the Amerigol Latam Cup in Coral Springs, Florida.