SACO — Cloudless sky, temperate breezes, a perfect day for movie making.
How about calling it “Lords of the Rings”. Or “Lords of the Bling”.
In any event, the scene was set idyllically on the Thornton Academy campus for the handing out of rings won two months earlier on a frigid day at the Colisee in Lewiston, when the Golden Trojans won their first ever Maine state hockey championship.
“I look back on that night in Lewiston,” said junior forward Robbie Downing. “It was an unbelievable night. The memories flash back. Last night, I couldn’t sleep. I had dreams about it. ”
With Thornton Athletic Director Gary Stevens presiding, each team member, plus coaches and support personnel received their rings which commemorate the most memorable hockey season in school history.
“A truth of athletics,” said Stevens, to the assemblage in front of the school’s gazebo, “it’s not where you start, but where you finish. I think the 2010-11 ice hockey team epitomizes that idea. It truly was a team that had high hopes at the beginning of the season, but flew a little bit under the radar. But as the regular season started, it caught its second wind, and once it went into the playoffs, never trailed for a second.
“What we bring from that night two months ago are a lot of great memories. Memories that nobody can every take from you.”
For Downing, one vivid recollection is that of the game winner off the stick of C.J. Maksut.
“It was almost unbelievable,” said, who arrived at Thornton from Arizona prior to the school year. “It happened so quick. You heart started pounding. Chills ran up your spine. Helmets and gloves off. A “yard sale” across the rink. I’m at a loss for words. It was amazing.”
Capturing “amazing” in silver plated splendor is a difficult task.
Yet, to each recipient, their ring is bound to be far more than a bauble.
More likely, it will be a symbol to each of what can be accomplished when 20 young student athletes dedicate themselves to one goal, and to each other.
“What the rings signify,” said Stevens, “is much more than the championship. What that ring represents is a lifetime of hard work and dedication. Those are qualities and characteristics you’ll be able to carry your whole lives.”
Just then, Downing wasn’t thinking about the rest of his life.
He was more intent on savoring the moment.
“There was just something about having this team together,” said Downing, “here today to reunite one last time together as a family. And to get a ring that symbolizes our family, our unity and our teamwork.
“You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day, a better team, or a better family.”
— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com or follow on Twitter @DanHickling.
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