After an outstanding season and a difficult road through the playoffs, the Novice LL#1 Panthers took the NDLL A championship over the Wainfleet Wild in 3 games.
A championship is a season-long journey. In this season the LL#1 Panthers put together the best record in the PMHA at 35-4-6, but that was not the difference for this team.
What it really comes down to is this: Love wins championships.
13 kids were taught to love a game. Because they loved the game they put in extra work. Hours at the rink, on the street, the basement, the driveway, at school.
13 kids were taught to love their team mates. Because they loved their team mates they bought in to a team-first approach. Nobody was more important than anyone else. Everyone scored goals. Everyone back checked. Everyone blocked shots. Everyone won and everyone lost together.
The love that these kids showed grew outward. Parents, siblings, extended families gave up extra evenings and weekends for practices, road hockey, and tournaments. When grandparents are so committed to the team that they want to discuss improvements in players they are not related to, you have built something special.
And a group of dedicated volunteers came out to coach these kids through it. In 45 games there was never a lost temper, never a careless word. In very difficult moments 5 men could always be counted on to bring the right approach. To find ways to motivate, encourage, and even console kids with tremendous love.
Truly there is not enough thanks to go around. Every player pictured earned their championship through hard work and perseverance. Every coach saved a game or a kids season with positive encouragement. Every parent put in extra time and money to help train these kids, and supported all the kids as though they were their own. Special thanks to the Kureks. Sorry about your property values.