Season Wrap Up
On March 9/16, when the horn sounded to end the final game of the season, the Hawks, suffering defeat at the hands of the Central Plains Capitals for the second year in a row, skated off the ice to reflect on their long season, now behind them. For eight of those girls, they would be skating off the ice and taking off their Hawks jerseys for the last time as a midget player. There were a more than a few tears shed on this day, and only some were due to the game's tough loss. Eight proud hockey players would take their Hawks jerseys off for the last time. There would be no more practices, no more Hawks competitions, nor social gatherings, save for the season's final wind-up. One by one they filed out of the dressing room, most with tears still in their eyes. They walked out to hugs from parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. Some wanted to get out of the rink quickly, while some just wanted to savour their last moments in a Hawks uniform, the season ending just a little too soon...
For many of these girls, the AAA road started five years earlier, with the formation of the Pembina Valley AAA Bantam Female Hawks program. What a great opportunity the Pembina Valley Minor Hockey Association has given girls in the region, to play with other like-minded girls, in a competitive environment, with first class coaching. Looking ahead, five years can seem like a lifetime, but in the rearview mirror, five years is but a blur. I'm pretty sure if you'd ask any of them, they would tell you that it's been something they wouldn't change in a heartbeat, nor would their parents. The relationships that have been formed, both on and off the ice, are a priceless treasure that each of them will hopefully carry on for the rest of their lives. For this writer, never having that dressing room comraderie growing up, but having heard about the lasting experiences many have had, I know that these girls have been privy to a kind of connection many people only dream of. A few of the girls have commitments to play hockey next year, while some are either still looking or will find some place to hopefully keep playing. After playing in a competitive environment for so long, the game should still be fun to play for most girls. I don't believe there has been a year when the Hawks program has seen the kind of turnover that this year will bring, not only in numbers, but in talent as well. The '98 year was a special group, both in the quantity of players, but also in quality of talent. The league has changed over the years and there's a lot more parity than in years' past. Where the Hawks used to dominate the league, the competition has grown stronger, creating some great rivalries and match-ups. To the graduating players, we say thank you! Your dedication to the game, the pride with which you've represented that Hawks logo, and the class with which you've conducted yourself is a testament to the program and the great coaching and parenting you've received. We hope you treasure those memories for years to come. To the girls who will don the jersey next year, with the chance to represent the organization in hosting the Esso Cup, work hard to earn your way there. Take nothing for granted. Play each and every game like it's your last, and enjoy every aspect of it. There are eight girls on this team that will tell you that it'll be over before you know it...
To the coaches - Dana, Shanley and Al. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! You bleed the Hawks colours, and you've sacrificed and toiled a lot to make this program a success. Thanks to your families who have given up time with you, so that you could invest it in our girls, making better athletes and young women. Yours and your family's support has been amazing! We look forward to bigger and better things next year.
Stay tuned to the impending announcement of where and when (tentatively, April 16th) the season wind-up will be held...
The 2016/2017 season will be upon us in no time, and what an exciting year it promises to be! The Esso Cup Championship Tournament is coming to Morden and the Pembina Valley. Thanks to Claire Agnew, her staff, the Pembina Valley Minor Hockey Association, and all the volunteers who have pledged to make this a reality. We look forward to this exciting time for the Pembina Valley!
On a personal note, thanks to everyone who has made this season a success! It takes a lot to make this program continue to thrive and all the countless hours behind the scenes. Thanks to long time manager Darcy Dearsley, for all the time you've spent in the organization, and to Jody, who took over the reins this year of this big responsibility. Thank you Brad Neduzak and Cindy Bridges for the website help, to Maureen Hutchinson who makes the yearbook a reality, Ginette Major, who helped keep the tournament organized and running smoothly, and for everyone else for all the roles you've played in various capacities. This really does have to be a team effort, and you should all be applauded for a job well done. Thank you all!
