Canada’s National Women’s Team announced for 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship

They are essential to a hockey team, working long hours in the shadows, far
from the spotlight. They aren’t household names. But no athlete who hits
the ice with skates on their feet and a stick in their hands will tell you
that their work is not appreciated. That their presence is not comforting.

Serge LeBlanc is one of those who makes sure players worry about nothing
other than their performance on the ice. As an equipment manager, he is a
master at setting up a dressing room. And the phrase ” other related
duties” certainly applies.

“I know, for example, during a game, that I will have to change blades
because a player can be tougher with her blades than another,” he says. “I
think my job is to provide a personalized service to each player.”

A proud Acadian from Sainte-Marie-de-Kent, N.B., and a resident of the
nearby village of Grande-Digue, LeBlanc has been involved with Team Canada
for over 20 years. The Université de Moncton equipment manager has never
hesitated to answer the Hockey Canada call, including twice at the

Olympic Winter Games (2018 and 2022) with Canada’s Women’s Olympic Team and twice at the

IIHF World Junior Championship (2008 and 2011) with Canada’s National Junior Team.

LeBlanc spent 11 years (and almost 1,000 games) in the Quebec Major Junior
Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Moncton Wildcats. Along the
way, he has participated in various Hockey Canada and international events
with both men’s and women’s teams.

Since 2017, he has spent most of his time in arenas, on buses and in
airports across the country and around the world with Canada’s National
Women’s Team. A natural bon vivant, he has his own way of
contributing to the success of Team Canada.

“Serge is an extraordinary person,” says goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens.
“You know that no matter what time you arrive at the arena, he’s going to
be there. He’s the first to come, last to go. He’s always happy to see us
and he always wants to go the extra mile to make sure our lives are as
smooth as possible.”

“When you see Serge, he puts a smile on your face,” adds veteran forward
Brianne Jenner. “He’s sort of like that fun uncle that everyone has in
their family. That’s the way I think of Serge. He’s just he’s reliable but
a great time and just he fits in so well with the girls. He’s one of…