submitted to EFP
The Essex Thunder girls’ arrived at the rink, one last time this season to face its rival team from Amherstburg for the Tier 1 Division Championship.
The coaches prepared the troops, and the girls came out flying, scoring just 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the game. The crowd went crazy, and the girls on the bench embraced every minute of the championship win, with a final score of 4-1 for Essex.
The team has come a long way this season. There were many familiar faces, which returned from last year, but the team was fortunate enough to welcome many new faces to the roster as well. The girls, from the first time entering that dressing room, started forming friendships.
The team proceeded through the first part of the season with a perfect record. The girls went on to take the Lakeshore tourney, winning every game they played.
The team went on to capture the championship in London, in the second half of the season. The Southpoint tournament gave the team another championship title after beating the rival Amherstburg team.
For the coaches, this season was a very special one with an equally special group of players with veteran players who served as fantastic role models and allowed new friendships to form.
This year’s roster consisted of two players who came from Lakeshore (Lexi and Tea), one who decide 3-4 weeks into the season to try hockey for the first time - Veronica aka ( Chara), one who told the coach what position she was going to play this season on her first skate as a Thunder (Quinne). There was a player who did not say a whole lot, if she said anything at all (Kate). And, last but not least, one of the smallest members of the team who always put her best effort forward (Ada).
As for the veterans, these girls showed such leadership on and off the ice. They displayed respect for everyone on the team as well as guiding the rookies in the right direction, whether it was a drill in practice or a play during the game these girls showed leadership.
The team was extremely fortunate this year to recruit a great role model for the girls. Avery Pailey, a student at Essex High looking for some experience behind the bench. Avery’s dedication and presence on and off the ice, as well as in the dressing room, was invaluable.
The team was also fortunate to have a qualified trainer, manager, jokester, planner, organizer, aerobic instructor, very detailed emailer, etc. Emily Bohdal. This team wouldn’t have made it without the endless efforts, love and dedication she brought to the Essex Thunder team.
The role of an incredible coaching staff can not be ignored for the success of this season. The staff took the team to a season where the girls were unbeaten all year, League Champions, Division League Champions, Lakeshore tourney champs, London tourney champs, and Southpoint tourney champs.
The memories made this year are ones that will be remembered. Great work girls you’ve made Essex Thunder very proud once again!