Atom, 2013-2014, AA (Kitchener Minor Hockey)

        With the simple question of “Anything to declare” leaving the lips of the Canadian Border Patrol, the rear window slowly slid down to reveal the emphatic smile of a Lady Ranger with a Championship Plaque in one hand and a Gold Medal in the other. “Yes, we are the Champions.” I am quite certain that more than one Border Guard was treated to the very same scenario about sixteen more times that November evening. The Kitchener Lady Rangers Atom AA team was indeed the 2013 Bauer World Invite Detroit U10 Champions.

            The City of Kitchener has long been a very dedicated and passionate Hockey Town, it has grown with the times, and its deep roots and evolution can still be found in all of the local rinks. Allison and Amanda proudly wear the Kitchener name on their shoulders as part of their third season with the Kitchener Lady Rangers. Hockey is in their blood, and it can be traced all the way back to local Legend and Hockey Hall of Famer, Milt Schmidt.

        The regular season schedule is set, but our Lady Rangers will have to wait to get started. Although technically the LLFHL season can start as early as today, the Belles in Blue will have a week and a half of practice before opening on the road in Cambridge versus the Roadrunners on October 11th, the day following will see the Kitchener Girls in their Home Opener against their cross town rival Ravens from Waterloo.

            With only two days remaining before the Kitchener Lady Rangers take to the ice against the newly branded Guelph Lady Gryphons, General Manager Jr. has graciously opened up some new blocks of seats for what should be an exciting local match up.

            There were no seats left, and reporters stood elbow to elbow along the back walls, in the few moments left before the beginning of a much anticipated early morning Press Conference. Director of Kitchener Girls Hockey Yvan Aubin took to the Podium, standing to the right of Coach Dave, to announce what may have been the worst kept secret in Southern Ontario Hockey circles.