After an accident claimed a parent’s life, California’s SC Lady Flyers continue to play in a Colorado tournament, supported by rivals and national solidarity.
LITTLETON, Colo. — A California youth hockey team is pushing toward the semifinals of a Colorado tournament just days after a deadly crash on I-70 upended their trip.
The SC Lady Flyers 12AA team was traveling to a tournament in Littleton when a Colorado Department of Transportation snowplow crossed the median and struck the team’s shuttle, according to Colorado State Patrol. One parent was killed and several players were injured.
Despite the loss, the team made the decision to keep playing.
On Saturday, 9NEWS was invited inside the arena to watch the team play.
“It was not an easy decision,” said Todd Stelnick, head coach. “These girls made it their own decision Thursday night after a few hours discussing it over whether if they want to play or not play, and they wanted to play.”
Stelnick said one injured player has returned to the ice, while two others are still recovering and unable to play.
“Win or lose, they just want to play and just have fun,” he said.
When the Lady Flyers stepped onto the ice at Edge Ice Arena, they were met with support from opposing teams and fans alike. Players from other teams taped their sticks in yellow and blue — the Lady Flyers’ colors — and raised them to form a tunnel as the Flyers skated on and off the ice.
“It was a special thing,” Stelnick said. “That teams are putting their sticks up forming a pathway when we’re coming on and off the ice as a spirit of the cause of what happened.”
The show of support extended well beyond the rink, with hockey sticks appearing on front porches across the country as a sign of solidarity.
“If you’re out there, put a stick in front of your door,” Stelnick said through tears.
He said the players have noticed.
“Everybody’s watching. The girls are watching, the girls love it. It’s nice to see,” he said.
Even after a loss Saturday morning, the gestures continued. Stelnick said members of the Colorado 14ers team came into the Flyers’ locker room to pray with the players.
“Even though we got beat today, the 14ers team literally came into our locker room and did a prayer in the locker room, which was really touching for the girls,” he said.
As the tournament continues, Stelnick said the team is leaning on that support to keep going.
“We’re trying to keep it strong and keep them going every shift, every minute, every second,” he said. “Keep moving your legs, keep trying, keep pushing 110% out there.”
“It’s just not about the game,” he added. “It’s about players. It’s about people’s lives or family.”
Despite the loss, the Lady Flyers still have a chance to advance, with more games scheduled at Edge Ice Arena in Littleton.
“We’re here to have fun, and we’re here to fight the fight for all of our teammates and for the hockey world out there that’s supporting us,” Stelnick said.