True Champions

True Champions come in every shape and size. They are the ones that fight through a situation and walk out better for what they went through. They don't always win, they aren't always happy with the results. Sometimes they questions what went wrong, and always they look for how they could have done better.

I can think of 14 true champions that stepped off the ice yesterday morning. Their eyes were wet, disappointed by the results of a game that didn't go the way they had dreamed of or hoped for. Some felt bad that they had tears in their eyes and were promptly reminded that it's ok to be sad about not achieving what you wanted to achieve. All of them were surrounded by parents who love them and were proud of what they had accomplished. It's not everyday that 14 kids who basically don't know each other, have different skills and different experience on and off the ice come together and form a team. They spend time with 3 Coaches willing to sacrifice their time to teach a game that they love, willing to guide and direct these 14 kids to something that is incredible.

Preseason was filled with losses and changes, then tournaments entered the picture and this group of kids became a team. They attended 3 tournaments placing 2nd, 1st and 3rd. They went on to win 11 regular season games and skated into the playoffs in 2nd place. In the end they skated off the ice still in 2nd. Disappointed, yes. But changed by what they went through definitely.

I don't know what all the families talked about yesterday. I can tell you that at our house we asked our son about whether or not he had fun. Did he remember enjoying the opportunity, standing on the ice for the National Anthem, and getting directions from his coaches. Did he remember the plays that worked, and fighting for the puck to keep the team in the game. Did he remember hearing the parents cheer for the team, and did he watch us rise to our feet to cheer them even after the overtime loss. With tears still fresh in his eyes he said that he did have fun, and that he did remember the other things as well.

Congratulations North Olmsted Mite A3 team. You did a great job and should be proud of your accomplishments!

And congratulations to our Strongsville Mustang Mite A3 team. You showed us time and time again that hard work and determination will take you far, that playing as a team can and should be fun, and that at the end of the day there is always another sheet of ice out there waiting to be played on.