Floor HockeyWhen the floor hockey team stepped on the floor today it marked the first time since 1996 that a Team from Newfoundland and Labrador have played a game on a National Level. The core group of this team has been playing together for over five years and since day one they were working towards this moment. Their first opponent was an extremely strong team from British Columbia who was heavily favoured. This did not carry much weight with Team NL as their only focus was sticking to their games plan. It did not take long for the team to settle into their game and play solid hockey. After a hard fought game Team NL was extremely pleased to walk away with a 5-5 tie and a solid moral visctory.
In their last game of the day Team NL was on fire. All players played a strong game and as a result they walked away with an easy win. Although the score was one sided Team NL handled themselves very well and ensured sportsmanship was the most important aspect of the game.
Head Coach, Darrin Reid was very happy with how the team played and conducted themselves. He contributes the teams success on the floor with their work ethic and tight bond they share off the floor. The team will play Alberta and BC again tomorrow to finish out the double round robin before heading into the medal round on Saturday.
Today’s Results
NL 5 vs. BC 5
NL 10 vs. Alberta 0
Snowshoeing
The first medal for Team NL was won today at snowshoeing. The day started off on a high note with Silas Smith coming out on top of the second division and claiming a gold. Silas ran an outstanding race and really energized the rest of the team with his performance. Following Silas, Tony Krystis put in a quality race and came away with a bronze medal.
Justin Lahey also raced for a medal today and he came up just short with a fourth place finish. He ran an excellent race and continues to show significant growth as an athlete. Justin is a real product of the provincial team program and his commitment to training all year is very evident in the progress his has made on the snowshoeing track.
Head Coach, Carmel Casey is extremely pleased with the overall performance of the team and the personal best times that athletes are turning in. She is looking forward to a big day tomorrow on the track with athletes running in seven different medal races.
Today’s Results
Tony Krystis – 100m(Division M5), Bronze medal
Silas Smith - 100m (Division M2), Gold Medal
Justin Lahey – 100m (Division M8), 4th
Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing had its first day of competition today with both athletes competing in divisioning races. The athletes did outstanding with Patricia improving her personal best in her 100m time by half and Daniel being one of the few athletes at the competition to be able to navigate the technically difficult 2.5km course. Tomorrow is a big day for the skiers with both Daniel and Patricia competing for medals.
Figure Skating
Figure Skating had the day off today so they took advantage of that time to cheer on their teammates at snowshoeing and floor hockey. Mark will finish his competition tomorrow afternoon when he skates his freestyle program. The entire team, family and supporters are rooting for Mark and we are hoping to get as big a turn out possible out to cheer him on.
