Santa Clarita Girls Hockey Team Claims Championship After Tragic Accident
In a display of incredible strength and unity, the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers girls ice hockey team has clinched the Western Girls Hockey League championship, just days after a devastating car crash en route to the tournament. The team, comprised of talented athletes aged 12 and under, faced unimaginable tragedy when a van carrying them collided with an out-of-control snow plow in Colorado.
The accident, which occurred on Interstate 70, resulted in the tragic death of the van’s driver, Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana-Villegas, the father of one of the young players. Several other passengers, including three team members, sustained injuries. Despite the profound grief and physical pain, the spirit of the Lady Flyers remained unbroken.
Two team members required hospitalization through the tournament, and one bravely played with bruises. Yet, the team rallied, playing five intense games in Littleton. They emerged victorious in four, culminating in a nail-biting 1-0 championship win decided by a shootout. This remarkable achievement stands as a powerful testament to their resilience, courage, and unwavering support for one another in the face of immense adversity. A fundraiser has been established to assist the families affected by the tragedy.
