The Kitchener
Lady Rangers U18”A’s” said “see you later” to “seven” wonderful ladies who are
leaving U18 hockey.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”
(Winnie the Pooh)
Two ladies joined us this season for their “first” time at U18“A” hockey. Both forwards, Ms. Carrie and Ms. Campbell worked hard and patiently (hearing the coaches voices in their ears) learned our systems of play. We hope you both enjoyed the season as much as we enjoyed watching you both develop with us.
Ms. McLaughlin (absent today) returned to join us after last seasons “on again – off again” four on four hockey. We hope everyone enjoyed watching her hands (although we know the other teams’ players didn’t) as much as we did. Soft hands for smooth puck control were a specialty that left many wondering what had just happened. We wish you good health and will always have a “vitamin C” ready for you.
Ms. Brake, Ms. Konopka, Ms. Spencer and Ms. Towes have been with us for the past “three” seasons. Through the highs of 2019 – 2020 to the lows of last season, all four chose to return to each season’s tryouts.
With some solid physical play on defense, Ms. Brake would roll out a Lady Ranger welcome to anyone coming within a couple feet of any D-Zone boards. We were pleased to see the developing “clapper” used on several occasions and did feel for those who stood in its way! When one door closes (or sometimes is slammed closed) another door opens (like the one leaving the ice!!). As the U18 door closes for you we wish you much success in all the other doors that will open.
Also on defense, Ms. Kono came to us as an import who developed amazingly throughout the seasons. Your patience, work ethic and confidence in running our systems of play contributed to our “teams” growth and development. We appreciate the leadership role you took on for the benefit of all this past season (right from the pre-tryout skate this season with your encouraging words to the player who maybe should not have been skating on the ice). Continue to lead in life. You can and you should. We will miss our defensive quarterback!
As our “hybrid” defenseman, Ms. Spencer jumped at the opportunity to “move up” and came out on fire in Windsor! Your willingness to learn and offer to play other positions (sorry we didn’t get you in goal!!) was appreciated. Adding more tools to your toolbox is never a bad thing. As you move forward to McMaster remember you have more than enough tools to get you through any challenging times. We look forward in hearing what you build. P.S. - No dorm brawls!
Last, but by no means least, on forward, and our captain this season, Ms. Towes. Your hard work on ice over the seasons was never in dispute. Shift in, shift out you gave us whatever you had. Hard work is one of those things that we cannot teach. But hard work does have its rewards and we hope you felt rewarded for all your efforts in being named our captain this season. It was well deserved. Much like Ms. Kono, you never know who is watching in life when you are doing things and your leadership was appreciated as much that same night, pre-tryout skate, on that same bench, as it was throughout our season. Leadership can feel heavy at times. Remember, don't shoulder the weight of the whole world. Maybe you can start by finding a smaller speaker to carry around in life (insert smiley face here)!
We are very mindful that several of you could have played elsewhere throughout the seasons and feel very fortunate that you chose to stay with us. Thank you!
Best of luck with all your endeavors ladies. If you need anything, we are only a rink (or phone call) away!
Our sincere thanks as well to all those who contributed to the ladies’ flowers. A wonderful, heartfelt, amazing gesture!!
Missing #88 - McLaughlin