Playing for the love of the game

 In Letters, Opinion

Editor:

At a time when this country is gearing up to celebrate 150 years of Canada, I reflect upon my favourite Canadian memories, all the times hockey has been part of my life.

On Saturday afternoon I attended an OMHA finals game. It had all the excitement of a Stompin’ Tom’s The Hockey Song (The Good Old Hockey Game).

Throughout this season I have seen this team grow like a Christmas tree. It started with a few sprouts, the boys who grew when encouraged and guided skillfully by their coaching staff. They were supported by the hockey executive. Now it has branched out to families, friends, neighbours, the town and community. Included were the major jersey sponsors. Topping this tree wasn’t a star with several shiny points, but a puck, solid and well rounded; a continuous circle.

Their aim was to play as a team rather than put points on the scoreboard. I saw every player take their chance.

Now, in true hockey fashion, the game was a nail-biter. Goal for goal, the teams matched each other until sudden death decided the outcome.

As sometimes has been the tradition, the boys and coaches were driven around town, escorted by fire trucks declaring their victory. I heard one man say he remembered doing the same thing. He didn’t remember the particular details of the wins but he sure remembered every detail of the championship ride. As the wagon full of smiling faces returned to the parking lot, one boy ran to his parents and cried out, “That was cool!”

It makes all those times of sitting in the cold arena, long winter drives and interrupted mealtimes disappear from memory and fill your heart with pride.

You’d think after all this excitement, the team would have headed home to wind down and celebrate. One parent yells, “Come over to our place and we’ll barbecue.” Others chime in about what they can bring to the party.

A short time later I observed this team, joined by many of their siblings, continuing the tradition with a road hockey game that lasted far longer than the game they had just won. For them, the game goes on, only the venue has changed.

This is my Canadian pride… playing for the love of the game.

Brenda Wilson,

Creemore.

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