Editor:
Recently the Prince Rupert and Kelowna Midget Tier 3 hockey teams met in the Provincial Championships, held this year in Osoyoos.
After playing to a hard-fought tie in their first game, both teams won all their remaining games, and so met in the Championship Final. Kelowna, down by a goal with just over a minute remaining, managed to tie the game and hang on to win in overtime.
What was remarkable to us - the Kelowna players, parents and coaches- was not merely the fact that Prince Rupert demonstrated tremendous skill and none of the ‘goonery’ that so often plagues the hockey world. More than that, it was the positive spirit and graciousness of everyone associated with the team – even in the ‘agony’ of defeat.
Their team bus even stopped to ‘salute’ us with honks and waves when leaving after the game - for what must have seemed like an endless ride home.
It is easy to get discouraged about the violence and lack of respect that we keep hearing about in the hockey news. However the experience of such a great hockey game against such a ‘classy’ team is reassuring to those of us whose kids are so passionate about the game.
Thanks, Prince Rupert – and may we meet again!
Kelowna Mr. Lube Midget Tier 3 Jr Rockets