Focused on playing as a team, Virden’s U9 Renard squad earned the Parkissimo Hockey League U9 A side championship.
During the regular season, the Division 2 team posted a 12-0 record. In the finals, it beat Birtle Goertzen, 9-7. Virden held a 7-5 lead after the first period. Each squad added two goals in the second and were scoreless in the third. Earlier this winter, the team won the Candy Cup at the U9 Birtle Tournament.
“We had a great group of kids, and we did lose a few games in non-league tournaments throughout the year, but every time we did, we learned what we needed to improve on, and then the kids put in the work,” head coach Alex Renard said. “It's uncommon at this age group to see kids playing a complete team game where everyone contributes, but by the end of the year that's what they were able to do. It was great to win, but seeing how proud the kids were of themselves individually, and as a team, that was the best part.”
The team included Thatcher Kliever, Cole Robertson, Zane Hodgins, Leo King, Rally King, Brooks O’Grady, Will Mytopher, Ben Renard, Oliver Bailey, and Maddox Inkster. Head coach Alex Renard was assisted by coaches Scott King, Joe King, and Derek Hodgins. Gita Gunson was the team manager and Janelle O’Grady handled safety.
