The Game

As far back as he can remember, Bill's interest has fastened on hockey.  His most indelible memories are of the outdoor rink where the frozen air seemed to sharpen all sounds - the clash of sticks, the hiss of skate blades, and the crack of a puck on wooden boards.

Bill Brownridge (centre) wearing rubbers over his moccasins, backstops the 1952-53 Vawn Cougars to the North-Line Championship.

But Bill's view of hockey was far more than just fun, although that, in itself, was of great importance.  He came to realize that the rink was where he and his friends received a crash course in behaviour and socialization.  Not just in theory, but in reality.  In an afternoon scrimmage the kids might encounter bullying, cheating, embarrassment, even a bruise or a scrape.  Equally, they saw other qualities - courage, determination, patience, and discipline.  Most important in Bill's mind, a good hockey player had to be a team player, had to demonstrate selflessness.

Here in each session of "play" - without elaborate organization, equipment, or parental guidance - was life in a microcosm.  The reason the good things always overcame and controlled the bad was because of "The Game".  He loved the game, they loved the game, and no bad behaviour could ever change their focus.

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