Mr. Speaker, determination, teamwork and belief in their coaches propelled the Red Deer Optimist Rebels to gold at the Canadian Men's Midget Triple A Championship on April 29 at the Telus Cup in Leduc.
Checking the score on the way to the airport, I heard the result after two periods: five to one for their Quebec opponents, but Red Deer did have a power play to start the third.
The Rebels owned the third, burying four goals to send this exciting game into overtime.
After a scoreless 10 minute extra period, Nick Glackin tipped a shot from Rebel captain, Brady Bakke, to cap off one of the most thrilling games in tournament history.
Coach Doug Quinn truly instilled the pride it takes to build champions. He told his team that anything could happen, and it did.
In this, their ninth appearance at this tournament with three previous gold medal games where they had come up just short, they truly are deserving of the title of National Champions.
I congratulate the Red Deer Optimist Rebels, the players, their coaches and their fans.