Hockey clinic inspires youth to fulfill dreams

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Most kids playing hockey just dream of watching a game in the Joe

Louis Arena in Detroit. But not only did Mandy Plain Eagle get to watch the Red Wings take on the Tampa Bay Lightning team at the renowned arena, she got to play a game there, too.

Mandy was one of 24 youth, who got to be part of the Willy O'Ree weekend Feb. 25 to 28.

O'Ree was a black hockey player who played for the Boston Bruins in the1950s.

"He's a real advocate for kids participating in sports, particularly hockey," said Noreen Plain Eagle, Mandy's mom. "He helps kids with diverse backgrounds."

Mandy was the only Canadian given the honour of participating in the weekend's events, which included playing two games, watching a National Hockey League game, getting the autographs of four Red Wings and one Lightning player, dining with some NHL officials, including Native referee Dan McCourt, and eating a meal at the Hockey Town Cafe, which depicts the history of the Red Wings, one of the six original NHL teams.

"It was a lot of fun," said Mandy.

The Plain Eagles had thought Mandy would get the opportunity last year to take part in the weekend camp after she had attended the Warren Crowchild Role Model camp in Calgary.

"Because of Mandy's discipline and determination, she was nominated by them," said Noreen.

But when the time came to finalize the details, Noreen and husband Richard found out the proper paper work hadn't been done and to the disappointment of Mandy, she was unable to attend.

When the Diversity Task Force, which nominates skaters for the camp, found out about Mandy's situation last year, she was considered for this year.

"She was re-selected out of 1,000 kids," said a proud Noreen.

Mandy's mom, dad and younger sister accompanied her to Detroit on a shadow program, travelling at a different time and staying in a different hotel.

To make the trip, they had to fundraise $5,000, which was done through community help as well as donated ticket sales from the nearby Western Hockey League's Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Aside from the hockey games, Mandy got an opportunity to participate in a skills competition.

"She done real good," said Richard. "In speed skating, the boy who beat Mandy won it by three seconds."

Mandy was one of five girls and one of two Native children on the team.

Usually playing centre with the Peigan Nation's senior girls team, the

Pistons, in Detroit, she played defence.

"From attending it, seeing how the National Hockey League really

participates in the United States," said Noreen, "I'm hoping to meet with the Calgary Flames and get them involved with hockey here. I want to tell them that so many kids can get something from this."

Mandy, who turned 12 in March, won't be able to return to the camp next year, but that hasn't stopped her parents from wanting another local skater to get the same opportunity.

"It's a real inspiration for us that there's such an awareness, especially for kids of ethnic background," said Noreen. "We want to nominate someone from here for this year because it's such an experience."