Sisters Mallory and Meg Dyer are members of the 2021-22 University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's team. (Meg Dyer/Submitted)

By Daniella Ponticelli

'We love it here'

Dyer sisters find second home on Huskies roster

Jan 6, 2022 | 2:44 PM

Meg and Mallory Dyer had to beat the odds — twice — to lands spots on the same U Sports women’s hockey team.

The sisters from Calgary, Alta. were all set to continue the family legacy of playing at the University of Lethbridge.

Older brother Christopher spent his U Sports hockey years there, Meg just finished her second season and Mal was committed to the team, when COVID-19 shut down university athletics.

A month later, in April 2020, Meg received an email from the university: both the women’s and men’s hockey programs were coming to an end.

“Everything was up in the air. I was going to school there, I was living there,” Meg said.

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Knowing hockey wasn’t an option anymore, the Dyers looked elsewhere — eventually connecting with Huskies’ head coach Steve Kook.

“It’s not something we meant to do. We looked at the players individually and it just happened to be that they were good players that we wanted,” said Kook.

“The sister part makes it more special for them and as a coaching staff, we get to be a part of that.”

While playing together in university was an important consideration, the Dyers said they knew nothing was guaranteed.

“I can always count on Meg to be my rock. She keeps me even-keeled, she’s an energy booster. Someone who is always laughing and smiling” – Mallory Dyer

And after the heartbreak of a cancelled season — and a program — they don’t take anything for granted.

“We’re now living in Saskatoon, we love it here. We love the girls on the team, we love the Huskies, ” said Meg.

“In the end, it turned out really well and I’d say we’re pretty grateful for that.”

As it happens, Meg and Mallory can’t escape their Huskies family, even at home. Teammate Kendra Zuchotzki lives with the sisters in a condo in Saskatoon.

“She’s a bit of a buffer for us,” said Mallory, laughing. “It’s fun. Just an extension of us living at home.”

Meg (left) and Mallory Dyer grew up living, breathing and playing hockey in Alberta. (Meg Dyer/Submitted)

Growing up in a hockey house

The Dyers are not the only siblings playing for the Huskies this year — Jordyn and Emily Holmes are also on the roster — and the rivalries appear to align with line mates.

“I think it’s more, because Jordyn is a forward and so is Mallory, so it’s the defence sisters versus the forward sisters,” said Meg.

The sisters didn’t grow up playing on the same teams. It wasn’t until Meg’s third-year of midget AAA that Mallory joined her on a roster for the Rocky Mountain Raiders.

“Our parents are our biggest fans. They’re at all the games in their Huskies gear” – Meg Dyer

Hockey, however, is big in the Dyer household. Dad Dean played his whole life, while mom Lori got into playing the sport a decade ago.

“We grew up playing from a really young age, and it’s kinda just been a really fun activity we like to do together, and something we’ve grown up doing in our house,” said Mallory.

“Hockey is always on the TV. We’re always talking about it. It’s a big part of our lives,” said Meg.

“Our parents are our biggest fans. They’re at all the games in their Huskies gear.”

Sister support

As for their on-ice goals, third-year Meg said she’s always looking to develop, especially now that she’s one of the more senior women on the roster.

“Being really consistent. Someone the younger girls can look up to,” she said. “Working hard to make myself better, to make them better, is my main goal.”

For rookie Mallory, the goal is growth and taking in lessons from video review.

“Going to extra skills ice time every chance I get,” Mallory said.

Mallory (left) and Meg Dyer’s first time playing on the same roster was for the Rocky Mountain Raiders AAA midget team out of Okotoks, Alta. (Meg Dyer/Submitted)

Coach Kook told HuskieFAN he’s happy with the sisters’ progression, especially at different stages in their career.

“Meg is a stay-at-home defenceman … it’s been good to have her voice and leadership in the backend,” he said, adding younger sister Mallory has been an explosive forward.

“The goal that she got is very typical of the way that she plays. It was a hard-working goal, right spot at the right time, it was a rebound off of Sophie Lalor’s shot.”

Meg also credits Mal for her work ethic and dedication — attributes that served the pair well during the COVID season.

“Mallory is always pushing me and making sure that some days, when I don’t want to work out, that ‘no, we’re going to do it.’ Rain or shine,” Meg said.

“How hard she works, makes me want to work harder.”

The appreciation is mutual, as Mallory noted she looks to her older sister for consistency.

“I can always count on Meg to be my rock. She keeps me even-keeled, she’s an energy booster. Someone who is always laughing and smiling,” Mallory said.

“Definitely someone I can depend on in any situation.”