Meet the Bisons
Women’s hockey captain, Leanne Kisil
Romer Bautista, Staff
The Background Info
Name: Leanne Kisil
Sport: Women’s hockey
Position: Centre
Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.
Manitoban: When and how did you get your start in hockey?
Leanne Kisil: It all pretty much started from when my older brother was playing hockey. I always kind of wanted to do whatever he was doing, so he pretty much got me into [hockey]. And also my parents helped me get started.
M: Why did you decide to play at the U of M?
L.K.: Pretty much because it’s close to home, and at the time I didn’t want to leave home and my friends. I was familiar with the city and the U of M. [Head coach] Jon [Rempel] helped finalize my decision, after I talked to him.
M: Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
L.K.: Actually, I think I’m one of the few that don’t really have much rituals or superstitions. I usually just tape my sticks, and do my warm-ups, and do a few visualizations. Other than that, not too much.
M: How do you or the team celebrate a big win?
L.K.: I believe in the work hard, play hard sort of thing. If we have a good game I think there is no problem going out and celebrating with the team.
M: What is your personal greatest sporting accomplishment?
L.K.: I’d say being selected to the CIS all-star team that was formed over the past summer.
M: Favourite movie?
L.K.: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
M: Favourite television show?
L.K.: My Wife and Kids.
M: Favourite musician?
L.K.: John Mayer.
M: Favourite book?
L.K.: Paddle to the Amazon [by Don Starkell].
M: Favourite sport, other than hockey?
L.K.: Last year would have been different — I probably would have said something like volleyball. But I’m going to say football now, to watch.
M: Favourite athlete?
L.K.: I’m going to go with Sidney Crosby.
M: If you could sit down for dinner with anyone, dead or alive, celebrity or non-celebrity, who would it be?
L.K.: I would say my dad’s mom, because I never actually got to meet her. It is important to me to meet someone who was involved in my dad’s life.
M: What do you consider your most valuable possessions?
L.K.: I’m going to go with my car.
M: With Halloween over, the holiday season is upon us. What is your favourite thing about the holiday season?
L.K.: When all of my family is getting ready at my house, listening to Christmas music.
