The U-12, Tier 1, Moncton Riverview Storm Devils hit the ice Friday morning knowing one of their teammates was in a hospital bed cheering them on.
Twelve-year-old Émilie Hébert was diagnosed with leukemia last week and is currently undergoing treatment at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.
Her teammates found out last Thursday and the very next morning the Storm Devils played their first game of a weekend tournament without her.
Head coach Brooke Mitton said the news hit them hard.
“They knew that she’s a fighter and that she is strong and that she’s going to get through it,” said Mitton. “Our tournament last weekend and this weekend, they’ve just been thinking of her and every time they go out on the ice they’re doing it for her.”
Moncton Ringette Association President Julie Schofield Simard said as soon as Émilie’s diagnosis became public they were flooded with messages from parents and other associations from around the province wondering how they could help.
Last weekend, Dieppe and Riverview co-hosted a tournament and they contributed the earnings from 50/50 draws to the family.
Moncton is hosting the provincial championships this weekend as is doing the same thing.
“We always knew that ringette was a family and a community, but we never felt it as strong as we have in the last week, week and a half,” said Simard.
This weekend’s provincials feature 74 teams with close to 1,200 players.
Heart shaped stickers with Émilie’s initials and her jersey number – six – have been given to every player.
“Today we’ve handed out stickers to every player in the province for them to wear on their helmets in support of Émilie and knowing that we’re all behind her,” said Simard.
Émilie’s mother sent a message to the team on Friday saying chemotherapy is going well and she misses all of her teammates.
After winning last week’s tournament, the U-12 Tier 1 Storm Devils got off to a great start with a 7-0 win over Dieppe Friday.
After the game, Émilie’s teammates talked about what it’s like not having their friend with them.
“It’s sad, but we know that she’s going to do fine,” said forward Charlotte Morrison. “We’re cheering for her. She’s going to do great. I really miss her. We all really miss her. It’s upsetting, but we know she’s going to fight through it.”
Forward Addyson Groundwater said she knows Émilie is supporting them.
“Like Charlotte said, it’s upsetting but we know she’s going to get through it and beat cancer,” said Addyson.
Ellie Savoie said her defence partner is strong and she will get through this.
“She’s very nice and sweet. Super funny and she’s really good at ringette and volleyball. I love her and I miss her,” said Ellie.
Coach Mitton called Émilie a great athlete and a super young girl.
“In the dressing room, she’s actually one of the funniest kids I’ve ever met. Her jokes are always making everyone laugh. She’s always dancing. Always positive. She’s an awesome kid,” said Mitton.
The team has even come up with a cheer for Émilie so she knows they’re thinking of number six when they’re playing this weekend.
“One, two, three, four, five, six! Storm Devils on three! One, two, three, Storm Devils!”
After recording the shutout Friday morning, goalie Lucas Simard talked about how difficult it is not having Émilie with them.
“No matter what happens she always has a smile,” said Lucas. “We’re going to win for her and I hope she gets better soon.”
A GoFundMe campaign started Friday to support Émilie in her fight.
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