What is there to say about the Sunny View Saints? I marched along as a member of this team for two years, and I enjoyed being in that number as the old song goes. There was healthy camaraderie and unconditional respect between us, and the love of playing hockey together was always there.
Yours truly, Don B, was not the team’s captain, but was its “old man” prior to our final season together. These past two seasons I played for the SV Saints in the defence position. I blocked shots, got in people’s faces and assured my teammates that I could stay awake an entire period.
Brad was our goalie during our entire run. We both communicated well every time we were on the same shift. He was also our team’s unofficial commentator. I would gladly publish some of his remarks and insights if they weren’t considered un-publishable.
Lori was our main defence during our two seasons together. She was also our team’s main cheerleader. It always made for a good combination. Her voice matched her talents as a player, and she always kept us alert, awake and honest.
Brandy was our main forward. And she could be quite forward during playing time just like the rest of us. We always took notice of her tenacity and aggressive playing style. She was also the one who scored the most goals for us.
Meghan was our other secret weapon. Though she missed a few games this season, she dominated every time she was there. She blocked players, communicated with us teammates regularly during play and remained stoic throughout all the frustrations and tensions we often felt.
Erin was also a top goal-scorer and one of our team’s secret weapons. She joined our team during our second and final season. She could have also used the power to psyche out a player with her colourful fashion sense if league rules allowed it.
Don Deschamps joined our league and our team this season, which sometimes led to confusion about which Don was going to be put on next. Us two Dons go back to when we were students at Sunny View many moons ago. He sometimes called me “Little Donnie,” even though there was nothing small about either of us when it came time to play hockey.
Another late addition to our team was Alishah. Though she was shy initially, she gradually blended right in with the rest of the team in the defensive position. Her actions on the playing floor spoke louder than any words.
And then there’s Sean, our big cheese and team captain. He and his dad, coach Ron, were there to keep our spirits up and encouraged us every step of the way. Their positivity and inner strength kept us strong, through thick and thin. What could we have done without their support?
I heard somebody say that saints are sinners who find a way to get back up every time they fall. While we were far from being the holiest bunch around, we kept ourselves humble and refused to give up when the odds were stacked against us by our opposing teams.
Though this didn’t earn us a spot in the playoffs or win us a championship, I speak for everyone on the team when I say that being named a hockey “saint” for two seasons was a flattering, honourable and satisfying experience.
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