The 2011-2012 minor hockey season has been one of the most amazing in memory for the Richmond Ravens Pee Wee C3s.
The girls team is actually made up of Novice-and Atom-aged players who, thanks to their incredible skills, vaulted up two levels to Pee Wee during the tiering round in September.
They opened the season by winning the North Shore Winter Club tournament and it was uphill from there.
The team's record this year stands at 12-2-2 in regular league play, 26-4-2 counting exhibition games and tournaments.
"It was clear at the beginning that this team was very strong compared to other Atom teams," says coach Tracy Warren.
"One game the shots were 64-2! They also won over a couple of Atom boys' teams, winning 9-2 and 24-0."
At the Pee Wee level, the two-to-four age difference of their competitors was noticeable. Not only were most of the other players significantly taller, many of the Ravens arrived at the rink in car seats to face off against girls wearing makeup.
"The girls also came from seven different teams and had to learn to trust each other and work hard together," continued Warren. "They also had to rely on speed as well as heart and determination to be successful."
He also credits his coaching staff and the players' parents for their dedication and commitment in helping the girls win their division title.
The PCAHA Peewee Flight 2 League Champion banner won't be the only one flying at the rink - with the lowest number of penalty minutes they are also expecting to receive the sportsmanship award.
"We are looking forward to the playoffs, a road trip to play some teams in the Okanagan and the Richmond Ravens Ice Classic." added Warren. "No matter what happens, the girls are winners in our view.
"They have learned a lot of invaluable lessons about overcoming challenges and installing the key thing - enjoyment of the game."
The Richmond Ravens Ice Classic Female Hockey Tournament will run March 23 to 25 at the Richmond Ice Centre, where spectators can stop by to watch the girls in action.
