An Open Letter to the Mustangs

An open letter to the Plum varsity hockey team as they battle in one last game for a spot in the playoffs:

You've got this.

Don't think for a second that you don't. Early in the season, doubt would have been acceptable, but now you are a real, accomplished team who have proved themselves capable of greatness.

Since I have started reporting on games, I have watched you grow from a discouraged group of people to a real team. People who play together, lines that anticipate each others' moves, players who pass, shoot and score.

Each one of you is an inspiration. Taylor could take the easier road and play with a girls team — less scary, but less of a challenge. She has overcome a lot of obstacles to be your goaltender. She is the last line of defense, and while she has wavered like any goaltender, she has done an amazing job. Don't get down on yourself, Taylor — give yourself the credit you deserve.

Most of you have battled injuries this season, trying to ignore bruised ribs, legs and arms in the name of good hockey.

If you show up for every period — really show up, and play hard — you will win. You're the underdogs, and what you do best is show those other teams that you aren't going to be bullied.

Remember the McDowell game this year when you came from behind 5-1 to win 6-5 in overtime. You fought for it with everything you had.

I've met the families who support you through the less glamorous games, who pepper the stands at away games and fundraise relentlessly. Parents who haul equipment and miss their meetings and dinners because they're so proud to see you on the ice. Play for them.

I've met Coach Stu, who always takes a moment to give you the credit you deserve, no matter how frustrating the game. He is the one who, even after a crushing loss, said there was still hope for the playoffs and that he believes you have it in you. Coach Stu and Coach Jerry dedicate a lot of their lives to you. Play for them.

I went to school with Mike Dunlap, whom you all know is battling stage-four cancer. I'm sure you are devastated over the news of the failing health of a former Mustang — keep him in your thoughts in this final game. Play for him.

And play for yourselves. Play for the long practices, the crunch of bodies against the boards, the celebration dinners and the moments when the entire crowd feels like it's on mute when it comes down to the wire.

Play for everything, and with everything.

Good luck, Mustangs!