Celebrate good times, come on! Two Cochranites certainly have some accomplishments worth celebrating.
14-year-olds Aggie Baker and Millie Teskey were part of the team that won the Zone 2 U14 AA Ringette Provincial Championships which qualified them to represent Alberta at the 2019 Canadian Western Ringette Championships, where they beat out for other provinces to win the title March 27 to 30 in St. Albert.
Team Alberta started off their tournament quest at Westerns with a 3-2 victory over Team B.C. before taking out Manitoba 9-2, Saskatchewan 7-2 as well as three other Albertan teams by scores of 5-4, 8-4 and 7-3 in the final game to claim the gold medal.
The duo said they had high expectations heading into the tournament after winning provincials but said the feeling of winning was better than expected.
"It meant a lot to play on such a fun team with so many supportive teammates who are very talented and skilled at ringette. Winning provincials was our goal from the beginning and the Western championship was unbelievable – we had no idea really that it was going to be so great," Baker said of the team's accomplishment.
"We knew going in that we could win or lose against any team in those tournaments; they are all good. We took one game at a time, one shift at a time. We knew that we could win."
"There were many factors involved in us reaching and winning Provincials and Western Championships - mental training, dryland training, team building and countless practices gave us the tools to help us be the best individuals and teammates we could be," said Teskey, who was playing for the first time in the AA programme. "I’m sure it will be a tough year to repeat ... it's been such an amazing experience. My teammates are truly amazing and I miss not seeing them already."
Both players commented on the fact that they wouldn't be in the position they were without the support of family, friends and coaches.
"It meant a lot to me to have them in the stands cheering as loudly as us and sometimes louder," Baker said. "The coaches were there for us all season, through hard losses and exciting wins. I am so thankful for them and everything that they have done for us."
"We were successful as a team, but a large part of this came from the support of all those around us. It was a group effort by all parents and coaches. My main supporters were, of course, my parents. They were always there for me making sure I got to all the practices, games and additional team requirements. They were amongst the loudest cheerers and would often dressing in our team colours to help support," said Teskey.
"Our coaches were 100% committed and dedicated - they didn’t miss any of the 67 games we played throughout the season, or the countess practices. Coach Laurie Reeve was our Head Coach, Coach Kevin Lynch our offensive coach and Coach Guy Bailee our defensive coach. All three coaches were amazing but being a defenceman I am particularly grateful to Coach Guy - not only did he teach me so many new plays he always made sure it was fun and helped me with my confidence upon joining the team."
Both girls said it was an amazing feeling knowing they were the only two representing Cochrane at the event and being able to have the hardware to show for their hard work.
"Both Aggie and I have played in the Cochrane Ringette Association since U9. I am very proud that I got to represent the Association at the next level and am extremely thankful to all my past coaches and the volunteers that work so hard and selflessly to keep this great sport going," Teskey said.
"It was an honour to represent the Town of Cochrane and Cochrane Ringette," added Baker. "You never forget where you started and the people that supported us along the way and got us to where we are now."
