With Clipper Ice Sports entering the final stretch of the 2019–20 season, the various minor hockey teams in Niverville and Ste. Agathe are buzzing from a busy month.
Some of the region’s youngest players had an opportunity to shine a couple of weeks ago. On February 17, the Initiation White team entered a tournament in Landmark where they played three games.
“They worked hard and had fun,” says coach Becky Cameron. “They even received a medal for their participation. These players have improved so much this season and they have been a joy to coach. Most of them will be moving up to Novice next year!”
For the Pee Wee B team, the coaches say that the standings don’t accurately reflect the amount of effort put in by each and every player. It’s a welcome reminder that when it comes to sport, winning isn’t everything.
“This season provided numerous challenges for the Pee Wee B team, who faced some very skilled hockey teams this year,” say the coaching staff of Jay Roberts, Rick Saurette, Garrett Hildebrandt, and John Loeppky. “It would have been easy for our players to make excuses, complain, and quit, but their determination and willingness to compete for their teammates right to the last shift of each game was impressive and speaks to their individual character. We believe that hockey doesn’t just build character—it reveals it—and not every victory shows up on the scoreboard.”
Last weekend, the Novice B team participated in the Ultimate Hockey Championship Tournament in Souris, Manitoba. They played twice on Friday, first against Killarney and then against Swan Mustangs. Both of those games resulted in tough losses.
“The Clippers then played their third game of the tournament on Saturday against Portage, with a strong win and a final score of 21–4,” says Ashley Chamberlain. “Ben King earned player of the game.”
It was a special day for Ben. In addition to putting in a great athletic performance, he also celebrated his birthday—a rare occasion, since he has the distinction of being a bona fide leap year baby. Aside from marking Ben’s birthday, the whole team enjoyed spending time at the hotel pool and playing mini-sticks.
“The team then advanced into the playoffs and faced off against Carmen Sunday morning, Chamberlain adds. “We won, and it was a nail-biter, very close until near the end. The final score was 13–10.”
With this hard-fought victory, the Novice Bs advanced to the final, at 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, the Clippers lost 8–7.
“Every single Clipper played exceptionally well in all five games this weekend,” says Chamberlain. “They are heading home today with a ton of great memories and their heads held high.”
