Never To Old To Learn Something New

This past weekend during the Portledge Varsity Girls Ice Hockey team's participation in the WIHLMA Championships I learned a few things. First, that winning is not everything. Secondly, it certainly is not the only thing. Finally, and definitely most importantly, that sometimes when the score does not end in your favor, you can really honestly still win by giving absolutely everything you have to give. You see that way, "you can hold your head up high, and as long as you do that, you can walk with Kings". Thank you Portledge Varsity Girls Ice Hockey, and thank you Joe Lapchick. Somehow the actions of the former proved the words of the latter to be true, and suddenly an ol' dog had a new trick.

The epic 5-4 double overtime loss to Morristown Beard was a game for the ages, and one of the most exciting Portledge sporting events I have ever witnessed. Neither team led by more than a goal, and the lead changed hands three times. Both teams battled and fought and struggled and overcame right up until the final shot tickled the twine. Mo Beard ran three lines regularly and the Lady Panthers countered with a strong rotation of eight, sometimes nine players. Still, the Portledge girls out shot their opponents and had every chance to win this thrilling clash. Unfortunately, the Hockey Gods didn't smile on the Royal Blue and White this day, and I was left to ponder and conclude the aforementioned theory. A theory, by the way, that in my opinion, is not reflected on enough in our "win at all costs" society. So girls...Joe Lapchick would be proud of you, because you all walked out of the Hill rink like hockey royalty.