46 — Wednesday, April 28, 1999 — North Shore News

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SPORTS

Memories made and frozen in ice and time

From page 45

than ever before. We passed and shot the puck quickly and with such confidence. We lett the ice atter every game with nothing left. We piayed with heart and passion tor one another, and that is what brought home the provincial banner.

In the semi-final, we teil short of the mark in the first two periods. We found our- seives trailing Powell River 4-1 heading into the third. Once again, we saw our dreams being crushed by a higher- ranking team in the semi-finals.

“Come on boys, we haven't come this far to throw it ali away now. All through your lives, youre going to be faced with challenges a hell of a lot bigger than this one. To succeed, you've got to use your hearts. Play with your hearts now, and fet’s win this tournament!”

Our coach, John McDade, did nothing but slam a broken hockey stick on a table and shout those few words of dis- appointment and _ inspiration before leaving us alone in silence, sitting in our dressing room to think and prepare tor a period of hope and grave desperation that we all knew was just around the corner.

We found our hearts right then because the play we showed in that third period was absolutely the best hockey we had ever seen, let alone played. With the phrase “Leave nothing on the ice,” in all of our heads, we rose to the unthinkable challenge and stormed back into the game.

The heart that I speak of so preciously is best described by an act that amazed us all. My defensive partner, Richard McLaughlin, after a shift so long that [ could almost feel the pain in his legs, the fecling of extravagant tire when no muscles can be pushed farther, found himself staring at the rear end of a Powell River player on a clear breakaway.

“With the game tied and under three minutes to play, a goal allowed could crush our dreams forever.

When at first we could see no chance of the worn defenceman catching the opposing player on a one-on- zero goalscoring attempt, we watched in awe of our team- mate as he caught the player and threw him to the ice. His skate was miraculous and when he reached the bench, we saw the boy who saved our dreams fall to his knees with tears in his eyes, knowing that he had put forth his all, and feeling the burn of success as he lay in silence. We won that game 5-4 and beat Merritt 5- 2 in the final.

I know, now, why I loved the game so much. I know, now, why I believed my heroes in the NHL when they would say that growing up and playing hockey with their friends were some of the best times of their lives. These qualities: discipline, class, teamwork, and courage, are all significant in everyday life, as well as om the ice, or playing field.

We grew up hockey play- ers, people with dignity, pride, and camaraderie for cach other and our opponents.

MIKE GOULD says heart is what gave West Vancouver its first B.C. minor hockey title.

Because of our shared passion for the game we play, respect along with many other lite long qualities and attitudes have been learned.

This year, when our hearts and true passion came forth, | and I'm sure every one of my teammates, found the true reason why we played the game tor so long.

Growing up is a time to learn and experiment. Many gifts are given co us by our Parents, our teachers ond our triends. Much of what we, as children and then reenagers know, is taught tu us in the classroom or on the social floor. What no one can teach us, though, is how to be pas- sionate and love so dearly and

with all of ourselves.

Every one of us needs to find that on our own. That is what hockey gave to me.

J found that in nwself was passion, determination and endless heart. TP know that having seen my dreanr come true because of friendship, teamwork, and undying effort, thar when the vill ty there, there really is a wav.

The song was right. The chance will never come again. But now, } am glad that it won't, All that fact means is that our history together will be remembered 2s being that much more amazing.

As my hockey career comes toa sudden cessation, 1 look back to when [ was six years old, when J was just Jike the six-year-olds [watch these days. I see them tripping over the blue fine, wobbling in skates that arc nwo sizes too big. I know what is ahead of them, and I know that they will share in the joy, the sad- ness and the endless great times that come along with the game of hockey. I know what is ahead of many of these children because I look at myself now and remember growing up at the rink, grow- ing, up with people who I love.

I remember when | was six vears old and first laced up my plastic skates and put my silly purple helmet on and embar-

rassed myself and my team with my, not-so-hor hockey skills. Pean remember so many times when I sat on the ice or on my bench and wept. Fcan remember so many times when Psaton the ice or on my

bench and sereamed shouts of

colossal bliss.

Eowill never forget those umes, as they witl be with me for lite. E have friends now who [vill know tor as long as I shall live.

My heart is still with me, ready to find a new passion. | leave hockey now, with only courage, desires, and skills that Eowill bring along with me wherever ] may go.

T leave hockey now, with nothing but memories, a few friends, and a lot of experience in life and in sport.

I leave hockey now, with more thas I could ever ask for.

Teammates to remember: Richard Melaughlin #12; Sean Dunean #13, Dave Gibbons #19; Miles Galand #14: Sean McCloy #15; Julian Stoddart #18; Travis Lusney #17, Ryan Lowther #35; Brent Rusin #1; Elias Gadoy #10; Matt McCormick #6; David Skinner #16; Glen Evans #7; Brad Woo #20; Adam Goluboff #2; Alex Himmelsbach #5; coach John McDade; assistant coaches Bryan Jones and Ron McLaughlin; and = manager

Bob Duncan.

And a special thank-you to all the parents, coaches and managers who helped us along

7

- i | (oe io SPORTS

the way, We won't forget all thar you contributed to our success and joy in the greatest game on earth.

BURNABY | 3-RINKS

6501 SPROTT STREET

291-0626

1999 WoMen’S

SPRING/SUMMER

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© Teams and individuals welcome. © Games: 2 exhibition, #1 énisional,

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