It is often said in sports that you have to lose before you can learn to win. On April 8 at Bracebridge Memorial Arena, this statement proved true as I watched the final seconds tick away and the visiting bench of the Deseronto Storm erupt triumphantly.
After eight months of hard work, dedication, determination and sweat, our season had abruptly crashed to a halt. The piercing sting of losing Game 7 for a championship will not easily be healed. In fact, it will remain with us forever. However, from the moment the final buzzer signalled our defeat, we have all received a tremendous amount of encouragement and support.
When training camp opened in July for the 2009-10 season of the South Muskoka Shield, our goal was crystal clear: repeat as Russell Cup champions. Although we fell just one game short, we enjoyed a fantastic season in which lifelong memories and friendships were created. It was a great ride and one I will never forget.
Over the past two seasons, the Shield has won over 100 hockey games — a feat that is not frequently matched across the entire nation. To accomplish this success takes an unwavering effort from many people that goes far beyond the boards in the rink.
I am very proud to be part of this organization and surrounded by these individuals on a daily basis.
To Gord and Nancy Carey again, thank you for allowing me to be a member of the Shield. To John Klinck, for your constant words of support and traditional “good luck” handshake. To all of the game-day staff who surrender their free time to make sure things run smoothly.
To all our billet families, obviously your commitment speaks for itself. To the fine gentlemen in the timekeepers box who create the “junior hockey atmosphere” to perfection. To Kylee Ruppert, the best anthem singer in the league.
To the Town of Gravenhurst. To the Town of Bracebridge and arena staff, you really bailed us out. To the media, specifically the Gravenhurst Banner, Bracebridge Examiner, Moose 99.5 FM and Cogeco — you are all professionals, great supporters, and a huge part of keeping our arena full.
To the best fans in the league — we don’t exist without you. Your support has meant so much to us, especially in the final days of the season.
To my staff — Adam, Gary, Cherie and George, your efforts are unparalleled and I appreciate the work all of you have done.
Finally, to my 24 players. Each and every one of you has given me everything you had all year. I know this is a bitter pill to swallow; however, I am extremely proud of you both as individuals and as a team. You have conducted yourselves with dignity and class both on and off the ice and have accepted our defeat with true professionalism. I am honoured to have coached all of you and wish you nothing but the best in the future.
As I close the book on another season, I will take some time to reflect and appreciate everything that has happened over the past two seasons. As a coach, it will take quite some time to recover from such a devastating defeat. Nevertheless, I sincerely thank all of you.
Although we will not take with us a championship, we will take great stories and memories that will last a lifetime.
Dallyn Telford
Head Coach
South Muskoka Shield Jr. A hockey team