It’s been a year of growth and team unity for the Lucan Irish Peewee Boys Rep (U13) team, which has enjoyed success on the ice – and experienced tragedy off it.
Finalists at the Georgian Shores Fall Classic Tournament in early November, the Peewee Boys squad also went on a five-game winning streak, from Nov. 24 to Dec. 14, in which they outscored their opponents by a 32-9 margin. At the time of this writing, in late December, the team had an overall record of 7-9-3.
Off the ice, the Lucan team has spearheaded a mental health initiative after the tragic loss by suicide of a member of the Irish community. The Peewee Boys team has been raising awareness of mental health and also funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
“We continuously raise awareness of mental health at every arena we visit by talking to each team we play in the dressing room and the parents on the bench,” says Trevor Collver, the team’s head coach. We also hand out ribbons and cards in memory of our community member, and we’ve been selling bracelets to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association.”
As of mid-December, Collver said, the team had raised more than $17,000. And that amount is sure to increase throughout the season. Meanwhile, the team also welcomed broadcaster Michael Landsberg to speak in Lucan at an event at the community centre/arena.
“It was a very successful event,” Collver said. “The goal we have for the team is to continue to raise awareness and break down the stigma around mental health.”
Contributions by Trevor Collver
