(From the Stanstead College yearbook)
This team found ways to get the job done this year even when conditions were not ideal. Consistency, mental toughness, comradery, and leadership allowed this group to overcome any adversity. Day in and day out, our girls consistently work their hardest. They were so successful this year because of their focus, their willingness to do their best, their attention to detail, and their resiliency in making up for teammates who lacked consistency at times.
One way we prepared them for any eventuality is that we never let them know what their workouts would be like or how long they would last. When we went for runs, we rarely told them how long we would run for. During practices, the girls did conditioning skating at random times, for who knows how long. This has made them physically fitter, but most importantly mentally stronger, and it prepared them to fight any adversity that come their way. This group of girls was mentally tough and it allowed them to recover quickly when faced with adversity. Throughout the year, when we had to climb back in games, when referees were against us, when we arrived 15 minutes before a couple of games, when girls got injured, when our numbers shrank, they never slowed down, because they were mentally fit.
Our team was successful on the scoreboard this year: we won three tournaments, were undefeated in the NAPHA league and won the final playoff trophy, and finished with an overall record of 51 wins, 7 losses, and 1 tie. All season long, our team was ranked first and second in the All-Prep School ranking in Canada. Beyond the score boards, the wins and the awards, this team was successful because these girls turned pressure into opportunities, they learned to challenge and make each other grow while still managing to work together and have fun together. These girls grew into stronger and better individuals, acquiring skills that will help them in their hockey careers, but most importantly, guide them through their lives. I feel an abundance of pride and luck to have been port of this special team.