Congratulations Braden! TPWHL Cup Winners!

You can only begin to imagine how excited we were after yesterdays playoff game. Hearing the news that Braden's team the Saints won in the finals. The game was a close one, both teams fighting into OT, eventually the Saints scoring for the win!
The whole Toronto Power wheelchair Hockey League is filled with men and women that are dedicated and determined to play some good ol' Canadian hockey. Every Saturday these athletes travel into Toronto and meet up through the season to show their skills and live their passions. I am in awe of them, and I love the support they show one another, how they lift eachother up and are always willing to share a smile. They are a great group of people who I am blessed to know, and happy Braden is a part of. Some of the most inspiring people I have met has been through Braden's sports teams over the years. I have loved this part of our lives, the people we meet and the stories they share. This season I did not make it out to any of the games. Not because I didn't want too, but only due to giving Braden his independence. Paul took him many of the Saturdays which is nice quality time for father/son. It is what they do together, it's their thing. I truly didn't want to take away from that. To be honest I have always been at the kids sports events, for years I attended Sledge hockey games and floor hockey when he played in Kitchener. For the first couple years I attended in Toronto, and I loved it. But over time Braden became an adult and when you become an adult typically your extra-curricular activities are done on your own time. Young adults come and go, too and from their own games. I do spend all week with Braden, we spend a lot of time together so it was in the best interest of both of us that he went on his own with either Cam, Paul or even a friend.
Even though I had not been to any games...I was always in attendance via text lol, constantly getting score updates as the game was in motion. I was never far from the game, I cheered from home...and listened intently when he would come home to give me all the details of an exciting game.

Above he is pictured with his fellow league player and friend Monique. She took a picture here with Braden and then Instagramed it with a "shout out" of congratulations. I can't even begin to tell you how cool it was to see George Stroumboulopoulos "favorite" the picture and sent Braden a congratulations message. OMG...how cool is that!!! George is a Canadian Television Personality  as well as a radio personal. He is best known as the host of The Hour-Hockey Night in Canada. So amazing that he follows and show's his support to all of Toronto Hockey.

Monique pictured with Braden is a very hard working young lady who I am very proud of. She was recently offered a job with the Toronto Raptor's working as a part of the Social Media Department. I believe she is a Social Media Promoter. (Hope I got that right Monique?) Regardless, she is doing her dream job and loving the perks of supporting the Raptor's. Please follow her for the latest information on the Toronto Rapters on Twitter @moraptorsfan and on Instagram @moraptorsfan.

 

 

Below Braden is pictured with the league trophy. Number 1!!! The man in the picture is his coach, very proud man here!  

 

Here is a photo of Braden and his team..a very well deserving group of hard working, talented hockey players~ WAY TO GO SAINTS!!! Well deserved!



Pictured below is Braden with another outstanding athlete. Paul Rosen came out to watch and support fellow Canadian hockey players. Paul played for the Canadian Men's sledge Hockey team in the Paralympic games winning Gold in 2006 Torino. He was the goalie. Rosen suffered a leg injury as a child during a hockey game. His injury caused pain and infection in his leg until eventually it was amputated at the age of 39. During his rehabilitation Paul put his love of hockey desires towards sledge hockey eventually landing on the Canadian National Sledge Hockey team. Needless to say what a wonderful surprise for this team to have the chance to meet Mr. Rosen and have the opportunity to play their sport with him in attendance. What a privilege for the two teams to have him at the game.



Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Canada) is a sponsor for Braden's hockey league. They have been a continued support through this year, and last season when they travelled to St.Paul Minnesota,USA. to play in a Power Wheelchair hockey tournament. TD presented a cheque of 5.000 to the TPWHL it was a wonderful surprise and SO appreciated! Thank you TD Canada :)



We are very proud of you Braden, you are a very smart athlete and play your defence position with passion and determination. YOU are a very talented player and always positive which is what we are most proud of. Its nice too see you smiling during a game, making others laugh and encouraging your teammates to play their best game. Congratulations to you and the Saints for all your hard work, the best team won!