Sylvie Paillard
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On Saturday (Jan. 28), the Howe Sound Novice ringette team travelled to White Rock for what was to be the game of the season. Coming off three straight losses, Howe Sound was going to need something special to defeat the powerhouse from White Rock. That something special came in the form of a memory. This was to be the first game played since the Howe Sound Ringette Association had attached crests on their jerseys in memory of Alison Roberge.
Alison had been a teen coach in the association for many years until she was tragically killed in a rafting accident last summer at the age of 17.
"Alison was always smiling and could make those kids work, play and laugh harder than anyone," said team coach Kent Warwick. "She had a way with those kids. They followed her everywhere."
From the start, the game was an end-to-end battle. White Rock netted the first goal six minutes in. Only minutes later Jacklin Warwick intercepted the ring at center ice, skated to the far side drawing White Rock's players over and passed to an open Jennifer Koin who skated in alone to hammer home Howe Sound's first goal to make 1-1 at the end of the first period.
The second period was as fast a pace as the first with White Rock again getting the first goal of the period. Down 2-1 and being outshot badly, Howe Sound needed to turn things around to take control of the game. With less than half a period left to play there was a spark in Howe Sound's play. The defence started clearing their end with accurate passes up the boards and the forwards were moving the ring deep into the opposing zone. Sidney Fanzaga picked up a loose ring just inside the blue line and was able to skate down the side, picking the right corner, top shelf to make it a tie game.
With three minutes to go, Nicole Pederson passed behind the net to Fanzega who snuck her second of the game passed the goalie from an impossible angle. Of the 70 or more fans there, half were cheering on Howe Sound and after that goal the arena erupted. With time running down, could Howe Sound hold on against the unrelenting White Rock offence?
With the unflinching play of goalie Brenden Bantayen, they did. White Rock unleashed more than 45 shots in the game but could only manage to put two by Bantayen. The final score of the game was Howe Sound 3 White Rock 2.
"These kids played like never before. This is the best team play we've seen all year," said Warwick. "They are really starting to develop, both as individuals and more importantly, as a team. They all played with a lot of heart, and a little help from a friend. Alison, it's good to see you're still with us."
