#12 Small Town Proud

 Yesterday afternoon the Cape Breton West Islanders won the 2017 Telus Cup! This midget hockey tournament is for teams from all across Canada. In the scope of hockey tournaments it's a big deal. A really big deal. It's an even bigger deal for my family since #12 Avery Warner was playing! We are so proud. Beyond proud.

  What makes this an even bigger achievement is what it shows the kids of the small towns that make up this team. Rural can mean success! Living in an urban area with more resources doesn't necessarily mean better. Hard work and dedication, combined with a little luck, makes anything possible.

  Growing up in the country, kids feel like they are missing out on things. And really they are. There are no arts or sports schools available. Chances are the range of classes are not as wide. There might not be a robotics club or musical theater. Maybe there is no one available to tutor in physics. Or no movie theater or violin lessons. You pay a price for the rural lifestyle.

  But what you lose, or gladly give up, you gain in many other things. A sense of community that can't be explained to a city dweller. Lots of eyes making sure you are safe. Extended family is the norm. Friendships that last forever. Sometimes the kids don't realize this til they're older but one day their eyes will open.

  The Islanders come from these small towns.They were the under-dogs. The disadvantaged so to speak. But they showed that anything is possible if you set your mind to it and work tirelessly to succeed.

  Congratulations CBW Islanders on your win. You've shown the country that small town Canada has big time talent. You are inspirations. And with a huge amount of family pride...Avery we can't wait to see what you do next!

  My Dad would have loved to see Warner on the back of a hockey jersey on tv!

  Ang