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Journey to Hockeyville 2014 almost done

They say the longest journey begins with a single step.
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“GO SYLVAN LAKE GO” - École Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School supports Sylvan Lake’s bid for Hockeyville 2014! On our Hat and Jersey Day

They say the longest journey begins with a single step. They (whomever they may be) don’t say how or when the longest journey will end, but end it must!

At this point Sylvan Lake is but one step away from the end of their own unique journey towards becoming Hockeyville 2014.

Win or lose, it’s certainly been a trip that needs to go down in the pages of history as a good thing; a very good thing.

They (those unidentified people who know stuff) say it is the journey, not the destination that counts.

And as I get older, and, hopefully (but probably not), somewhat wiser, I would have to agree.

In the end it is the journey that will be remembered.

Not that the destination isn’t important.

Heck! Who would worry about the importance of the journey when they see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is filled with $100,000. That’s a fair chunk of change.

And a pre-season NHL game!

Wow! That sends excitement soaring to a new ‘hockey night in the old home town’ level.

But, if you rewind the historical film of Sylvan Lake, it would show, without a shadow of a doubt, we’ve already had NHL players here.

True, they weren’t officially NHL players yet.

But, many of the young players who stick handed, shot and scored their way through hockey seasons at the Sylvan Lake arena went on to become just that.

NHL stars.

I remember one in particular. Derek Morris. First round draft pick. Calgary Flames.

My front page story. Sylvan Lake News.

In its own way, Sylvan Lake, itself, has already made it to the big leagues.

Positive media! Enthusiasm. And, finally, making it to the top in the west for the coveted title of Hockeyville 2014.

I have only been at the News for a few days covering for your editor, Steve Dills, but already, I can feel it; the excitement, the buzz in the air and the feeling of something.....what is it?

I guess it would have to be that spirit everyone is always talking about.

The Spirit of Sylvan Lake.

The spirit. Really, it’s been here forever. Sometimes it lies dormant for a while, but then something happens like the arena roof caves in.

And, suddenly, it’s there again, alive and well and giving everyone a little nudge to go do their part and a little more.

And, once again, it seems like everyone has listened and done just that!

ON THE OTHER SIDE