Family, hometown roots, and creativity inspire Julie Patricio

As Julie Patricio emerged from the dressing room for her post-game cooldown last weekend, she was sporting a golden helmet.

This season, the golden helmet has passed from player to player as a means of picking out the squad's performer of the game. In keeping with the team's ritual, the previous helmet-holder chooses the next winner after each game.

Rams women's hockey head coach Lisa Haley was happy to see Patricio get recognized by her teammates.

"She's playing her best games when you don't notice her. It's just because she's so sound defensively," commented Haley about the veteran Patricio.

Though Patricio may not be the flashiest skater in blue and gold, she's quietly become a mainstay on the blueline in her fifth season with the Rams.

"I don't really know how to explain it, but I feel like everyone is a little bit more connected this year," said Patricio as she reminisced about her years with the team.

"I try my best to come in everyday and put in all the effort I can to make it a fun environment. I really like being a person that can make somebody laugh or uplift (their) spirit just by making a stupid joke."

Most of Patricio's time back on campus this year has been with the hockey team. She said that the shared gratitude to be back on the ice has brought them closer together as they look towards the playoffs.

Meanwhile, she studies Graphic Communications Management.

"I say 'Graphic Communications Management' and people are like: What is that?" added a laughing Patricio.

"It's printing oriented," she continued. "You get to bridge out - it's either packaging, publishing, digital output, or an entrepreneurial leadership route."

Patricio said her interest in design and printing dates back to high school, where she was enrolled in a cyber arts specialist program.

She lives at home in Toronto, specifically in the Annex neighbourhood around Bathurst and Bloor street. "It's where Honest Ed's was," clarified Patricio.

"My dad actually grew up at the same house that we live in."

Patricio plans to stay in the city after graduation, though a lot is up in the air when it comes to finding the right opportunity.

"I like the diversity and the rush of the city. It keeps you in check, and I don't want to leave," she said, laughing again.

As well as her dad, she was quick to mention her brother as part of her support network.

"My brother and I have a really close relationship, we're 18 months apart. My parents always put us in the same activities. That helped us build a strong relationship because we were spending so much time doing similar things together."

Patricio said that her parents are at all of her games around Toronto, while her busy brother attends when he can.

"It's always nice to look back and see them behind the bench. And my dad's definitely a character when it comes to hockey. He gets invested in the game."

She paused for a moment when describing her dad. "Definitely a tough cookie throughout my years."

WHKY: Julie Patricio vs. York, Feb. 19, 2022 — ^{"Some good homies for sure," is how Patricio described some loyal fans last weekend. She said she's known this bunch for about eight years since high school.}

Off the ice, Patricio strives to keep herself creative, such as doing freelance graphic design. She's experimented with a variety of outlets, such as Pinterest moodboards, film photography, TikTok, and even thrifting.

"I try to keep my mind creative, whether it's working on big projects or having my camera on me when I'm just doing an everyday activity."

Patricio's diverse inspirations and creativity may not be obvious from her steady defensive play. But her fellow Rams are grateful for the veteran, and will only count on her more as the season finishes up.

"I don't think (defenders) get enough recognition, especially a player like Julie," said Haley, candidly summing up the contribution of Patricio.

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Players Mentioned

#19 Julie Patricio: D; 5' 5"; 4

Players Mentioned

#19 Julie Patricio
: 5' 5"; 4
: D

Players Mentioned

#19 Julie Patricio

Players Mentioned

#19 Julie Patricio