Mar 20, 2014 | Sean Fowler | 1593 views
Midget HL Girls Finish Regular Season
The Port Elgin Lions
Club Midget HL Girls closed out their regular season schedule on the road
Wednesday night (Mar 19), facing off against Bruce Peninsula in Lion’s Head.
The Storm ended up dropping a 4-0 decision in a game that was much closer than the scoreboard would indicate. A brief lapse early in the third period, which led to three quick Bruce Pen goals, put the game out of reach.
The story of the night however was not on the scoreboard, but rather how this small group of girls has turned a season with a rocky start into a success.
Last night’s game was indicative of the challenges faced by girls’ teams in smaller centres all over Ontario. With only nine skaters, the Storm’s regular goaltender, Heather Kozak (who had played amazingly in every game for the team this season) was unavailable.
As a result of OWHA player restrictions, it looked as though the last game of the season was going to have to be cancelled. After coach David Kelly explained the situation to the Bruce Peninsula staff, they graciously offered to have their alternate goalie suit up for the Storm.
The game was on, and “Bruce Pen Paige” stood on her head at times for the Storm, only to be congratulated with hugs and smiles afterwards. It was truly a nice way to finish off the regular season, and a fine moment for girls’ hockey.
Trying to keep a team with very small registration numbers afloat is no easy feat. It requires dedication and commitment from parents and players as well as an incredibly devoted team staff. Fortunately, all of those things were in place this year and the girls, some of whom are in their final year of minor hockey, were able to enjoy the season.
They look forward to their year-end tournament this weekend (Mar 22-23) in Ripley where they hope to cap off the season with some WOAA hardware.