U9 Girls Team News

The Journey is just beginning

There is something to be said about reconnecting with people, that you knew from when you were young. It's even more spectacular when you are drawn to those past relationships, and even have an opportunity to make new ones, because of your child. That was the case on this past weekend of Saturday, July, 18th and Sunday, July 19th. Ten little girls, all under the age of 9, set the stage for what proved to be a moment that would be talked about for likely years to come. An opportunity to say that something really special can happen when you least expect it-a championship could be won.

What makes it so special is that it comes from a little Croatian Club that took on great clubs. It's like David and Goliath and the underdog wins. But it wasn't just about getting there; it was what sports can do when there is a desire to build a team - a team that works cohesively together. When there are volunteers like Manager Carmen Kanisek, Assistant Coach Damir Cvitan, and head coach Dean Smiciklas, who are motivated by their pasts and their heritage, and want to bring that forward to a new generation.

What happened on the field only re-confirms the strength in family. When those 10 little girls walked on the field, they had 10 moms and dads for each and everyone of them. Each so proud of the fact that those little "red and white checkers", who for the most part were second generation Canadian, chanted "1, 2, 3 Hrvatska", as they formed their huddle before each and every game. That would have been enough for each and every parent there. To know that at such a young age, separated by a huge body of water, these kids connected to their Croatian heritage. But those 10 little girls decided that together, they could do more. The result of their first game against Markham was a draw. The results of the second game against Georgetown was 2-1. And finally, the third game against Burlington resulted in 1-1 tie. Enough for a chance at the finals, with all three goals scored, by a little girl with a great big smile, and even bigger heart, Katarina Misljenovic. As each and everyone of them ran to celebrate with the families, bruised, battered and blistered, no one could have thought, they would have any more to give of themselves, in the next day final against Markham.

We were all wrong. Not only did they come back after being down one goal in the first half, they found a way to score two goals to steal a win against a Club with 14 players in the dying minutes of the game. Maia Kanceljak found herself in a position to score first, followed by Adriana Kanisek, the mighty twin, who finished it off with the second goal with only minutes left in the game. Notable mentions to Jessica "big kick" Smiciklas, who not only dominated on defense, but also contributed to the offense. It goes without saying that Dolores Cvitan, the goalkeeper, helped the team with her strong kicks and courage when defending her net. And of course, the dynamic duo twins, Adriana and Ivana Kanisek, who run and never give up or stop smiling. Impressive they all were each and every one of them; Mariana Mrse, Cassandra Herceg, Ivana Kanisek, Adriana Kanisek, Ivana Vrbos, Katarina Misljenovic, Maia Kanceljak, Nikolina Ropar, Jessica Smiciklas and Dolores Cvitan.

Yes, the journey has begun. Congratulations girls, you've made us all so proud.

Dean, Damir and Carmen and all of your fans