“Mission Accomplished”

By Brian R. Johnston
Sunday, April 15th, 2007

Mississauga, ON –

Destiny has served the Brampton Thunder well, as they have finally realized their ultimate goal.
They are now the NWHL Champions for 2006 / 07 and their “Mission Accomplished” thanks to their 4 – 0 shutout victory over the Montreal Axion.

Kristy Zamora will be remembered for scoring the game winner and the first two goals of the Championship with Kathy Devereaux and Kathleen Kauth adding singles for the Thunder.

Krista McArthur, Allyson Fox, Lori Dupuis, Coley Dosser, Vicky Sunohara and Jayna Hefford all hit the score sheet with assists on the Thunder markers.

Thunder Goalie Cindy Eadie picked up the shutout and the Brampton Cup, as player of the game for her outstanding work between the pipes through her inspirational leadership.

Head Coach Donna Lynn Rosa said, ““The Team” was the difference this time around, because it truly was a Championship Team.”

From the beginning of the season, this Coaching Staff, led by Head Coach Donna Lynn Rosa, Carol Cooper, Carmine Vani and Dave Cinelli had but one goal in mind and that was to win the NWHL Championship.

They were new to the scene of the Brampton Thunder and needed to establish a very clear and concise objective for the many veterans that had returned after winning the Esso Nationals the previous year.

They went about building a total team concept between the wily veterans and the newest members of the Thunder family which was meant to be the difference in accomplishing their plans.

Hills and valleys were common place in the beginning, as players adjusted to the new concepts and coaching philosophies, to one another, to new standards of play being inserted but the coolest of heads prevailed, allowing everyone to move toward the same page for the same reasons.

Tremendous leadership came from so many, as contributions were made by all those involved with the Thunder family.

It was always one game at a time throughout the season that saw the team come together a step at a time, making slow but positive progress as time moved on.

Believing in one another occurred, as players accepted playing within themselves and realizing that everyone not only had something to contribute but that the contribution was being made on a consistent basis, at the most opportune times.

Eventually, the Thunder was molded into a cohesive unit that was ready, willing and able to face any situation, at anytime, under many different circumstances and that would bend, but never break.

Coach Rosa added, “We can never know the amount of depth that exists within each and everyone of us, until we meet the ultimate challenge.” “The depth of this squad was under-estimated by many, but destiny has showed us all, now!”

In the end, the Thunder became a recipe that a Souse Chef would be proud to serve, world wide.

Here are the ingredients of a Champion:

Head Coach Donna Lynn Rosa brought confidence, a calm demeanor and truthful directness that was both respectful and respected.

Assistant Coach Carol Cooper added reassurance, stability and work ethic that set an example for the team.

Assistant Coach Carmine Vani added a valuable pinch of knowledge as a strategist and motivator through his calm but explosive influence.

Goalie Coach Dave Cinelli’s contribution was essential in dealing with the net minders, as it really takes a “Special” person to understand the idiosyncrasies of “Special” people.

Mandy Cronin brought an upbeat and positive attitude and work ethic that helped keep things light.

Liz Macri added steadiness, unparalleled work ethic and the heaviest shot in the league that intimidated both players and fans alike.

Kelly Zamora pushed others to elevate their game and to excel.

Krista McArthur pitched in with moments of brilliance and steadiness that was counted upon.

Sue McCutcheon added additional speed, timely scoring in key situations and youthful exuberance.

Lori Loftus excelled in a different role and was an inspiration to everyone from a quiet leadership standpoint.

Lesley Zimmer was dedicated and committed to the well being of all her team mates.

Lori Dupuis was challenged to set the bar high and achieved success with leadership in many different ways.

Jayna Hefford simply out did herself as an offensive leader and inspiration for the team and hockey world.

Kathleen Kauth was the resident thorn in the side of everyone that opposed her.

Coley Dosser was worth her weight in gold, as she continued to be the detonator cap in the dynamite and that unidentifiable spice to her team mates.
Allyson Fox contributed her leadership and savvy of the game to keep everyone on an even keel.

Meredith Ostrander added her own special ingredients to the mix to keep everyone having fun.

Kim Devereaux contributed speed and persistent doggedness that was inspirational.

Kathy Devereaux brought calm, tranquility and level headedness.

Kristy Zamora delivered in more ways than one as she did her thing either on her feet or from various other positions, as she was constantly in the mix.

Cindy Eadie exuded confidence and inspired everyone to raise their game to another level.

Vicky Sunohara adds the magic potion of wonderment for all and inspired play that lifts both fans and team mates out of their seats every time she is called upon.

General Manager Brian Marks pulls everything together, working countless hours looking after the needs of all, quietly behind the scene.

Kirsten Krepps is affectionately known as “Doc” maintains all the players’ health concerns and needs.

Iris Swatuk delivered the goods for conditioning both as a team and as individual, personal programs that brought fitness to a totally different level.

Janet Biggart’s ownership and business savvy allowed everyone in the Thunder Family to fulfill their capabilities which is what team work is all about.

“This Championship is a part of not only the Brampton Thunder organization, it also belongs to the many faithful and loyal supporters who have always believed this day would come,” said Janet Biggart.

Congratulations to the 2006 / 07 Brampton Thunder, NWHL Champions!

© Copyright Brian R. Johnston