Although Swift Current might not be her hometown, Calli Arnold's familiarity with the city and its hockey programs is extensive.

Earlier this year the 17-year-old forward became the second member of her family to play junior hockey in Swift Current, taking a path that was forged by her brother Brandan Arnold, who played for the Swift Current Broncos in parts of three seasons (2013-2017).

"He told me lots about the city," Arnold said before a Thursday afternoon practice with the Swift Current Innovation Credit Union Wildcats. "I also have some relatives from here, so I've been here quite a few times and watched him play here when he used to play."

While Brandon and Calli might be the only two in the family to dawn a Swift Current jersey, their brother Kenzie tried to in 2017 when he appeared at the Swift Current Broncos training camp. Given that Calli has two older brothers who have played competitive junior hockey, she's has lots of advice waiting in the wings if she needs it.

"Honestly they always just pushed me and told me to work hard," she said. "I have goals set, so they always told me to achieve those goals and do what's best for me."

The Wildcats become the third team Arnold has suited up for in the past three seasons, as last year she attended the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna, B.C but due to the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't able to go back.

"I thought Swift Current was best for me and the best opportunity, so that's why I came here and it's a great team," she said.

Normally she plays winger but Wildcats head coach Terry Pavely has used her in the centre of the ice more often than not, a challenge Arnold has embraced.

This season she returned to the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League, where she previously spent two years (2017-19) playing for the Saskatoon Stars, winning a league title both years.

"The Saskatoon program was really good, but when I went to POE I just thought that would push me more," she said. "Coming here, Terry obviously, he's a good coach so that's why I wanted to switch it up and try something new."

The biggest difference between the POE Academy and the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League for Arnold is the copious amount of reps you get in practice.

"Maybe a little harder with the academy because they're more experienced and on the ice every single day with five hours a day pretty much," she said.

The Dodsland product is hopeful she'll be able to choose her next hockey destination soon, as she's currently in her final year of high school.

"That's my goal this year in grade 12 as I want to try and commit soon but with COVID everythings kind of messed up," she said.