Posted by Sudbury Northern Life 
The College Notre Dame girls hockey team was recently awarded the OFSAA girls hockey A/AA sportsmanship award.
The team placed fourth at OFSAA.
College Notre Dame was selected for the award by a committee made up of participants from the 16 teams who participated in the tournament.
"This proves that we are a class act, win or lose," said
assistant coach Denis Piquette. "The feeling is about the same
as winning a gold medal."
 
"I got the girls to bang their sticks against the boards and
cheer loudly as the puck was dropped at the start of every
period, which certainly raised some eyebrows at the rink from
the spectators and the opposing teams. It was our way of
pumping up the team and letting teams know that we were ready
to get down to business," he said.
 
Piquette said the team's clean style of hockey and the fact
the girls don't take many penalties must have been taken
into consideration.
"Being well disciplined has payed off," said the assistant coach.
"As a team coach and teacher I always go out of my way to
meet the coaches before ,and after the game and chat it up with
them which in my opinion is what OFSAA is all about-good
sportsmanship. Making new friends as I call it."
 
Piquette said his girls have earned a lot respect from the
coaching staff, as they are not only very talented, but really
a "good bunch of kids."
The girls hockey team took home a gold medal at last
year's OFSAA championship and that is something the girls
will always hang on to.
 
"Wining a gold medal at OFSAA is a huge accomplishment and is
something that the girls and coaching staff will never forget,
as we did share something really special. But being recognized
by your peers and the OFSAA committee is just as special. I
will make sure that the school makes it a priority to hang it
(the banner) up in the school gym along  with the 2008
gold medal banner which still has not been raised yet,"
Piquette said.
