Santa Clarita Girls Hockey Team Triumphs Amidst Tragedy

Facing the Storm: A Journey of Resilience

In a heart-wrenching tale of bravery and determination, the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers girls hockey team turned tragedy into triumph. Just days after a devastating crash in Colorado that claimed the life of one of their player's fathers, the girls chose to step onto the ice and fight for both their team and the memories of those affected.

A Tragic Incident

On a fateful Thursday, a snowplow in Colorado lost control, smashing into one of the vans transporting the team to a game. The tragedy struck deep, stealing away the life of Manny Lorenzana, father of one of the players, while several others suffered injuries requiring hospitalization. Among them was a teammate who was critically hurt but expected to recover. The trauma echoed loudly across the community, yet it was through this overwhelming sorrow that the real spirit of the team emerged.

Choosing to Continue

After wrestling with their emotions, the girls gathered together in a two-and-a-half-hour heart-to-heart discussion to decide whether to continue with the tournament. "We all got around in a circle and talked about if we should play or not. Our decision was that we should play, not for ourselves, but for Manny and for our girls," recalled team captain Sophia Boyle. Their decision, born from solidarity and love, would lead them to a remarkable victory.

The players not only fought through their own pain but pooled their collective strength to honor their teammate's father. They went on to win six consecutive matches, culminating in their championship title at the Western Girls Hockey Championship.

A Celebration of Spirit

On returning home, the magnitude of their achievement was met with equal measures of joy and reflection. They were welcomed as champions but surrounded by a profound memorial that paid tribute to their collective grief. It's a celebration not just of victory but of the community coming together in the face of adversity, honoring those who suffered even as they basked in glory.

"We had a short bench, but on the fourth game, the young girl whose father passed away actually showed up. As she walked onto my bench, scoring just 40 seconds into the game, all the girls erupted with cheers, giving her hugs. That moment inspired all the girls to push on." - Todd Stelnick, Head Coach

Rallying for a Cause

In light of the crash, the broader community has stepped up to support the victims and their families. An online fundraiser and a GoFundMe campaign for Lorenzana's family have raised over $120,000 to cover funeral expenses and support those affected. This rallying around a shared cause exemplifies the deep connections that sports foster and serves as a testament to the heart of the community.

The Heart of the Game

The journey of the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers reminds us that sports are not just about victory; they're about unity, resilience, and the bonds that form in the trenches of unexpected challenges. Each game played in honor of Manny Lorenzana is a reminder of the heart that beats behind every match, the lives it touches, and the strength found in collective perseverance.

Looking Forward

This heartbreaking yet inspiring narrative should resonate across the sports world. It teaches us that, while victories can be sweet, it's our shared humanity that truly shapes the legacies we leave behind. As the Lady Flyers look forward to new seasons, they carry with them not only a championship trophy but an enduring spirit that echoes beyond the rink.