MVPs Of The Tournament

This isn't going to be long-winded by any means, but I need to extend my thanks to everyone who was involved with the 2022 Female World Sport School Challenge this past weekend. I've been to a number of these tournaments over the years, but this year was a little more special considering how there was no tournament in 2021 thanks to the COVID pandemic. The staff and volunteers have always been amazingly exceptional in how well they take care of us, and I am beyond grateful for their welcoming presence and hospitality for a few goofy radio people, but let me make something clear: as great as the hockey is, I'll go back each and every year we're invited simply because the people who run the Female World Sport School Challenge are phenomenal.

Kathy, who is like a mom to everyone who walks in through the door when they come to work at the tournament, needs to be singled out first because she is the backbone to the entire tournament with her tireless efforts, her constant watch over her staff, endless knowledge about what needs to be done and when it has to be done, and her constant smile that she wears all tournament long. Kathy is a gem of a human being, and I am always left in awe of her efforts at this tournament. Thank you, Kathy, for everything you do.

For the other volunteers who work under Kathy's watch, I cannot say enough good things about these people. Most are parents of current or former players, but there are a handful of staff from St. Mary's Academy who come out to the rink after work and on the weekend to lend a hand as well. All of them ask how you're doing, how things are going, and if they can make anything better. I'll fully admit that we are treated like royalty at the Female World Sport School Challenge despite us being outsiders, but they make us feel like we're part of the team from the moment we arrive. Knowing that people care about everyone makes you realize why this group succeeds so often.

From there, we move to Larry Bumstead, head coach of the St. Mary's Academy Flames, who is the driver on the hockey side of the coin for this tournament. Larry's passion for women's hockey is evident in everything he does, and it can't be stressed enough that he's the guy that allows us to sounds like professionals in coordinating player interviews. Larry makes sure all the little things on the hockey side are made priorities, and he's constantly recognizing the talents and skills of the teams and players who visit this tournament. Without a doubt, working alongside Larry is a privilege that I cherish because his enthusiasm for the game is so infectious!

From the Chubacks to the Dennehys to the Turnbulls, I met some amazing parents who have every single reason to be proud of their daughters. They're all brilliant students who are earning their opportunities for post-secondary educations, and each of them play hockey at a high level. Hearing about a few campus visits, I feel like these young women are destined for success at the next level, and it was refreshing to see the excitement in the parents. Sharing in that while watching their daughters succeed on the ice this weekend were moments I'll hold onto for a while, and it makes me happy to see them as happy as they are because of their kids' achievements. That's something special!

If I step back a little and look at the bigger picture, perhaps the thing that I hold dearest in this tournament is the closeness that the St. Mary's Academy coaches, parents, players, and staff have in building something rather awesome for four days. It makes me appreciate how everyone succeeds in the role they're given, how the tournament succeeds when everyone is pulling together in the same direction, and how great the event is when there are clear roles defined for everyone. Honesty, openness, and accountability aren't lost in the daily responsibilities that have to be completed, and the leadership of Kathy and Larry ensure that everyone knows what is expected, what won't be tolerated, and why things are being done. The end results speak for themselves as visiting players, coaches, and fans are already making plans to return for the 2023 edition of the Female World Sport School Challenge.

As I look at other opportunities I've been given, it's rather amazing how many times people said "thank you" and showed both interest and gratitude for simply doing what we're supposed to do in calling games and talking to players over the last four days. I was thanked more in this past four days than I have been in the last four years by some other outlets, and that's why I'll keep coming back: the people running the Female World Sport School Challenge appreciate everyone who comes out to help. They say "thank you" and they mean it. As the image at the top states, when you feel appreciated for doing your job, you're willing to go the extra mile for those who have shown that appreciation.

The privilege of talking with amazing players such as Janaya Laqua, Téa Pearce, Kendal Davidson, Alyssa McCasey, Grace Gilkyson, and Karel Préfontaine along with getting a chance to sit down on Wednesday with Reese Chuback, Tyla Turnbull, and Presleigh Giesbrecht is something that we have to beg for when we're working at other hockey opportunities. And normally, those requests are either ignored or turned down.

At the Female World Sport School Challenge, they're asking us if we have the time to talk to more players and coaches than what we had planned. If you're aware of what we do, we love meeting the players and telling their stories because they're the ones who dazzle us with their skills, yet all of them have unique hockey and life stories. Every one of those players listed played incredible hockey this weekend, but their stories off the ice bring the players to life as they talk about their hockey memories, their aspirations in the game, and everything in between. It's an honour and privilege to be able to speak with these players, and we have the Female World Sport School Challenge to thank for that.

It's funny how being appreciated by a group who you haven't seen in two long years suddenly puts everything else in perspective. It's not hard to state that I missed these people: Kathy, whose warmth and kindness with her team of parents and volunteers was only exceeded by the effort she puts in each day to keep this tournament forging forward; Larry, whose dedication and passion to the game is only exceeded by his honest-to-goodness appreciation for everyone who lends a hand; the volunteers and staff, who were tireless in their efforts this weekend; the sponsors, whose generosity and belief in this tournament fundamentally makes this game grow bigger and better; the fans, whose cheers were heard loudly all weekend long in supporting the twelve teams; Jenna and Jason, who made my job easier by taking some of the commentary work off my plate; and, the players, coaches, staffs, and teams who participated, whose skills and talents wowed us and dazzled us at every turn.

It's amazing how a little appreciation goes a long way, and I will always clear my schedule for the Female World Sport School Challenge because the people who turn this dream into a reality are some of the best people this game and this city has to offer. Those are people I'll never turn down because they ensure that you feel appreciated for your efforts, and that goes a long way in today's world.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the 2022 Female World Sport School Challenge for making the event an extremely memorable one for me!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!