As the rink parking lot filled up with cars from New York and Pennsylvania, the sound of chatter and
excitement filled the air. It was a crisp morning on December 6, 2008, that became the beginning of a soon-to-be tradition,
the “1st Annual Hockey Holiday Girls Happening.” The U10 and U12 Learn to Play teams toted their gear into the rink
where many would be playing their first game ever.
The first puck was dropped as the Indiana Lady Chiefs faced off against the Hamburg Lady Hawks. The stands
were overflowing with fans, who came to cheer on all those who hit the ice. As the day progressed, the Erie Little Lady Lions
faced off with the Amherst Little Lady Knights, Indiana raced for the puck against Fredonia and friendships were made as the
U10 participants learned that the main reason for playing is fun.
With a break in the day’s competition, the girls were invited to watch a contest between the Erie Lady
Lions U16 team and the West Seneca Wings. With wide eyes, the girls watched as they renewed their dreams of playing with the
“big girls” some day. The first day concluded with a pizza party where the girls all met to chatter about the day’s
events.
Sunday saw the final of the three-game gathering and, before the day ended, the smiles shined as brightly
as the medals that all participants received. As the rink lights dimmed and the parking lot emptied, everyone knew the anticipation
of the March Girls Hockey Happening would be in their minds until they all met again in Hamburg, N.Y., in four months to renew
their new-found friendships and love of the game.
