The Elmvale Minor Hockey Association U18 B team has closed out a successful season thanks to the support of their generous sponsor, Hardship Acres Landscaping Inc.
With a roster of 18 players, the team brought endless resilience and a willingness to battle through adversity. The regular season featured challenging games against tough competitors in Simcoe County, including Parry Sound, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Shelburne, and Orillia.
“Our players were extremely dedicated and committed to showing up,” says volunteer head coach Matthew Prucha. Prucha ran the bench with the help of three other volunteer coaches, Ryan Burlington, Seth Orvis and Dylan Traves. Thanks to their guidance and commitment, many of the players established confidence in their abilities and trust in one another.
For most players, it was their first opportunity to be part of the U18 B team. Despite turnover, they maintained their reputation as fierce competitors and did an exceptional job representing the Elmvale community. Even after numerous injuries and setbacks throughout the year, the players showed up with adaptability and a positive mindset.
“They played the season with a lot of heart and were very good to one another,” says Prucha. “We always showed up with a willingness to battle and compete even when odds were stacked against us.”
Of their four tournaments, the Andy Passero Memorial Tournament in Fort Erie was a standout.
The players had a lot of success, going undefeated until the finals. Unfortunately, they lost to Parry Sound in a close, nail-biting game. While they didn’t bring home a trophy, they played as a cohesive unit, trusting and respecting one another.
With the season wrapped, the coaches feel proud to have had the opportunity to work with these players and wish them luck in their next season.
And as the ice begins to melt and summer rolls in, contact Hardship Acres Landscaping Inc., at hardshipacres.com for all of your landscaping needs.
