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.
The First Team Kitchener Atom Lady Rangers were moving up to compete in the highly touted Double AA Division. Following a weekend that saw eight different Rangers score in the first four games (twelve of fourteen skaters with points), expectations began to rise, and so did the inevitable discussions.
“We are very excited that our girls have earned the privilege to compete on a much higher level” Spoke the excited Director, before passing the spotlight off to the Head Coach.
Coach Dave’s enthusiasm for his team was enormous, “I couldn’t have dreamed a day like this was possible, but with the foresight and guidance of a talented General Manager, our dreams are now a reality.”
Team staff and executives met late into the night to ensure that all variables were considered and that the Girls would benefit most if challenged to compete at the level they showed the most skill and aptitude for.
“Defining a team this early in the year is never easy.” GM Peterson commented via phone interview from Ranger Headquarters. “But there is no doubt what we have in each and every one of these girls; it is a hunger for growth and knowledge, and that needs to be nurtured.”
With the tempo of practice sure to pick up, so has the excitement building around this team. The opportunity to meet cross town rivals Waterloo and Cambridge at more regular intervals has the media outlets in a frenzy. The Communities of Waterloo Region are so tightly knit and hockey crazy that each and every game should be a quick sell out.
“We have a great bunch of talented Ladies here, they really deserve this opportunity and we plan on making the most of it” Continued Coach Dave. “Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do.”
Scheduling weekend is just around the corner and the LLFHL season will officially begin the first week of October, but if you need hockey now our Belles in Blue take to the ice tomorrow at home versus Cambridge in an exhibition game that just got a little more interesting.