There is no doubt that the ride home from the Oshawa Fall Classic Tournament was a quiet one for all our Lady Rangers and the members of their travelling entourage. As well my eyes continue to water at the very lonely image of Coach Dave standing alone in his garage staring at a blank wall which was reserved in August for a special display.
All sadness from the final few moments of Sundays Gold Medal game quickly dissipate when you reflect on the things that went so well. Firstly, I would like to thank the members of our social committee for providing not only proper nourishment, but for also providing entertaining and rather creative activities for all the girls to participate in as a team. It is these early events that help to shape things to come, it outlines expectations and helps to ensure safe and socially nurturing environments for our young ladies to flourish.
Another thanks needs to go to all of the players parents and family members who showed great support for the entire team atmosphere. We were able to learn so much about each family and in very positive ways. Further to that from a political stand point we were able to deflect and disregard all negative press that had been circulating up to and during the weekend’s events. We stood together and we stood with our girls which speaks volumes to the respect we already have for each other and for our Daughter’s Game.
The posture we maintain as we travel throughout Southern Ontario this year is important to our success; we have indeed proven that we wish to take the “high road” and that each of us has both the mental and physical growth of our children firmly in mind. As a Staff Member of this year’s team, I can assure you that there is nothing more important to us than education, both on the ice and off of it.
To the Girls of the Bantam ‘A’ Lady Rangers, words cannot describe how important to our girls your support and acknowledgement is. When you stood at the doors to congratulate the Atom girls coming off the ice, you showed how much being a Lady Ranger means to so many young ladies. By treating them like sisters and teammates you earned the respect and adoration of all who witnessed it, your selfless act is the embodiment of what it means to be a Lady Ranger. You gave a shy young lady the courage to step outside her comfort zone to run through your warm up, her red cape and even redder hair flowing in the breeze.
Thank you to the Town of Oshawa for a warm reception and a very organized well run tournament, it is early in the season but all of you were mid-season form. Thank you as well to the Holiday Inn Express, without you I had gone through life underestimating the power of a highlighter.
Special appreciation and the warmest of thanks to my new and temporary GM Jr., so many others in your situation may lose interest or feel isolated but you have proven how dedicated and involved with this team you are. Your knowledge and understanding of this Game is a valuable resource and a tremendous asset, but nothing would make me happier than to see you back on the frozen pond you came from.
My last and final thanks goes to our 2013/2014 Kitchener Lady Rangers Atom (insert various letters here), your energy and commitment is infectious. You inspired me to work harder for you, when you so obviously work hard for each other. When you are 17 acting as one you are unstoppable, there is nothing you are not capable of accomplishing when you work so well together. If the ice was a canvas, you painted a very vivid picture of what it means to be an Athlete, a Woman, and a Kitchener Lady Ranger. We are all so proud of you. There is nothing wrong with a silver medal, but it would be wrong if we didn’t use that moment to propel us upward and onward.