Lancers Looking For More At OFSAA
“I think last year we were satisfied with just being there,” says Maddy Lalonde, who was a grade 9 last season with the Lancers, but this year has been one of the team’s top scorers. “We learned that there are a lot of quality teams in this tournament, but we also realized that we can play with any of them if we focus and believe in ourselves.”
“Last year was a good learning experience for the team,” said goaltender Sydney Authier, who was the team’s goaltender last season, and was in net for UCC’s 3-2 SWOSSAA win over Windsor St. Anne. “We had a lot of grade nines last year so it was good experience to see the different caliber of girls from Ontario and bringing our best every game.”
Now with the experience under their belt, Authier and Lalonde both say participating isn’t enough. The 2014 UCC Lancers have their sights set on a medal.
“Obviously when you go to a tournament like this you want to win gold and we know this is going to be a challenge, but we are just hoping to do our best every game and compete,” says Authier.
“We have a really talented group of players. We have two great goaltenders, solid defence, and three lines that can score,” added Lalonde. “If we play hard and get a few bounces a medal is a realistic goal.”
Personally, as the team’s go-to goaltender, Authier also knows she’ll have a lot riding on her shoulders, but the Wallaceburg resident is ready for the challenge.
“My focus for the tournament is to go in and work hard because the girls go out there every game and put up good offensive numbers for me and work hard so i want to do the best for them
That pressure isn’t Authier’s alone, as Lalonde, also an OFSAA veteran, knows that everyone, including herself will have an important role this coming week.
“Personally, I need to capitalize on my chances,” says Lalonde.
Both Lalonde and Authier, along with the rest of the Kent and SWOSSAA champions, will get their chance soon as they will travel to the OFSAA ‘AAA-AAAA’ championships in Sudbury, which take place from March 18-21.