On a warm Indian summer day in the middle of September a young rag tag bunch of 7 and 8 year olds were brought together to form a hockey team. This young budding group of hockey stars was soon to become the Novice 4 Lakers. With a mixture of 13 first year, and 4 second year novice players and a few practices ahead, the team was ready to embark on the season. The goal ahead was to have fun, and whatever else came along, would be a bonus. The Season started with 2 quick wins, but then our young warriors would drop 3 of their next 4. This would not deter the group, and a turning point in the season was reached with the donation of pink practice jerseys from the Berry family, the bond of a team was created. They were not just a group of players, but a team made up of players that were willing to take on their responsibilities. As every young child wants to be an offensive superstar, this team had it all; playmakers, backcheckers, forecheckers, staunch defense and when needed a brick wall in net. The team would head into the new year on a 2 game winning streak, and momentum to build on. The new year faired even better, with 2 more wins and an undefeated tournament under their belts, everyone knew that they had something special. The push to the playoffs was on and the team was gearing up. As I believe that every team needs to learn to lose to become winners, this was no different for our young warriors. Our first and only loss of the new year would come, as the team dropped a game 4 – 3 after building a 3 -1 lead. This was the team’s wake up call, and the rally point to head into the playoffs. Finishing the season with a strong 12 and 4 record, the first round was upon them, and they would not disappoint taking 2 quick games from a very strong Cremona team. The finals were next and it would be a showdown between numbers 1 and 2 during the season. Again the Lakers would not be refused, as they would take two hard fought games from High Country to become TIER 5 Champions. The road to the championship was a tough one, and these young gladiators proved they were up to the challenge. As the season has ended and we say goodbye to our teammates, some of whom will move to Atom, some of whom will be on different Novice teams, and one that will be on the move to Texas. We will not say goodbye to the friendships that were made or the memories that were created on this magical ride. The Novice 4 Lakers will always be the 2014 Champions. Thank you to all the coaches, manager, volunteers, parents and grandparents that made this year so special. GO Lakers GO.
