Inspiration, aspiration, perspiration.
In the ‘piration’ world of hockey those three words play a major part in the success of the individual and the team. “Sweat Equity” derives from “positive vibes” and “ a goal-oriented” drive to be the best you can be.
In this season of Junior Hockey in Chase, the brain trust of the Heat, led by Brad Fox, has developed an on- and off-ice program that inspires the players to achieve success. The player selection process weeds out those who choose not to aspire to greater levels and hence hold their teammates back from achieving team and personal success. And, lastly, it’s a crime if you don’t put in the time – and effort!
The cast of characters includes a number of young pucksters that had Chase as their first-choice destination, some who couldn’t catch on elsewhere, and then some reclamation projects that were on their second or third chance.
The magic is the chemistry that develops, in great part to the leadership from the ‘letters,’ and the unwritten rules of what is appropriate behaviour and what isn’t. In this season’s case it is four 20-year-old veterans from Richmond, B.C., Sherwood Park Alta., Calgary, Alta. and Little Fort, B.C. They, along with a strong supporting cast, found positive ways of welcoming newcomers and rookies into the fold, and also helping them to quickly meld into the team environment. The best part, is that it is contagious and 23-plus players have all been “cursed” with the Heat wave.
Looking into the future, this group will be fine, outstanding citizens and tremendous contributors to their families and communities, partially because they chose Chase – our community.
Game analysis: On Saturday the 30th of January, the Heat faced the Princeton Posse at Art Holding Memorial Arena. In front of a sparse crowd of 163, Nic Bruyere earned his third shutout, stopping all 16 shots in a 3-0 victory. The star of this contest was Michael Fidanza. In the 1st, Braden Hughes fired a laser from the point on the power play assisted by Trevor Okino and Fidanza. In the 2nd, Fidanza scored a beauty on the powerplay from Josh Bourne and Hughes.
In the 3rd, it was Fidanza again from Bourne to put a bright red bow on the win.
Sunday, the 31st saw the Heat in Kamloops versus the Storm. An opportunity to move up in the division standings was lost as Chase chased rather than controlled the play.
Bruyere faced 29 shots and repelled 26 in a 3-1 loss. It was closer than the final score indicated as the Storm scored an empty netter with 1:11 left. Josh Bourne, with 13 seconds left in the 2nd, got the Heat within one, assisted by Brad Whitehead.
Next to visit the Little Shuswap are the 100 Mile House Wranglers on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Oldtime shinny is probably on the menu so come on out and cheer on your team – and bring your friends.
