Bantam female hockey team returns from Kelowna

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

A group of girls from Strathmore had a chance to take part in the International Children’s Winter Games, ICG, in Kelowna last month. The girls are all members of the Bantam Female hockey team and they were in Kelowna from Jan. 26 to 31. 

“It was really cool and being able to meet people from other countries, and (knowing) there are still places we can talk to them,” said captain Michaela Tessemaker. 

The ICG is like a mini Olympics for children. This was the first time it had come to North America. There were 13 countries in attendance with people from 39 different cities and 80 delegates. 

“The girls worked very hard and demonstrated how the hard work leading up to games paid off,” said Dawn Tessemaker, trainer and head of delegation for the team.   

“The games provided the girls the opportunity to make many new friends from all over the world. This definitely will be an event they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Dawn said the teams attending the tournament were anywhere from AA caliber to House Teams.

“I was so proud of them when they came out on the arena floor with the dark lights flashing and everything else with the Strathmore sign,” said Mayor Steve Grajczyk, who was in attendance.  

“It brought a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat. This team should be so proud of themselves.”  

The girls played six games at the ICG and placed fourth overall. Michaela said the best part was the fact that the team all got to stay together, wake up together, get ready together and eat together. She said one downside was that they stayed at the gym with all of the other teams, which saw some conflict. Overall, Michaela said, the team did great but did have a few areas to improve on.

“I think we could have gotten more sleep and been ready for the games. Some of the girls were there for fun and some of us were there to play,” said Michaela. 

If invited to be a part of it again next year some of the team will have an opportunity to participate. The cut-off age is 14 years old, which will make a few members of the team ineligible next year. The Station will be hosting a party for the girls, honouring them for their efforts. The date for the celebrations is not yet set.