A heavy layer of frost clings to the exterior of Peter Knight Memorial Arena in Crossfield, Alberta and it’s not much warmer inside the small-town’s indoor rink. But the minute you step into the dressing room, especially on this day, the cold melts away.
A team of 13- and 14-year-old U15 hockey players are clad head to toe in purple. They are pounding their fists against their padded thighs, pumping themselves up for an impromptu practice, that has earned them a morning away from school.
“This is not just a game, it’s so much more,” said coach Audrey Campbell.
And for the team’s centreman it will be especially poignant.
“It’s pretty special, now that this is on my back it feels like she is with me,” said Cooper Snyder, showing off the back of his jersey.
Story continues below advertisement
His aunt’s name is crested on his shoulders. Her story has been a heavy …