Letter to the Editor re: Fernie Alpine Resort ski patrol

I feel compelled to write this letter to express my feelings of awe, regarding the Fernie Alpine Resort Patrol Team, after witnessing an event that occurred on Mar. 20.

I was enjoying an afternoon of skiing on Polar Peak when I heard a lot of commotion regarding an accident. The next thing I saw, the patrol had closed the runs off behind the patrol shack. I headed back to the chair’s unloading area and noticed Paul Wright on the wrong side of the closure tape looking down over the headwall. At that point, I witnessed a patroller putting a huge trauma pack on the back of another patroller. Not knowing what had happened, and very concerned, I quickly skied to the High Saddle down into the Lizard Bowl to investigate. As I stood on the road, I couldn’t believe what unfolded before me.  Two patrollers were running up the deep snow with a toboggan! I am an avid skier and I have never seen anything like it. They crossed the Lizard Bowl in what seemed like moments.

As I looked over to their destination, I saw two accident sites with patrollers surrounding each. I continued on the road to find Dr. McBeath with another patroller acquiring the details and assessment.  I blinked and the toboggan was full and speeding down the mountain.

The rescue was phenomenal. The skill level of this team exceeded any expectations one could imagine. The fitness, coordination, skiing, and medical response was spectacular and this real life event was managed in a professional manner. Extraordinary! I was not aware how fortunate we are to have this caliber of expertise on our Fernie Mountain. Hats off to you guys for a job better than well done!

Cheryl HulburdFernie, B.C.

Letter to the Editor re: Jr. Ghostriders Peewee hockey team

I’d like to thank Bryn Catton, The Free Press reporter, for writing the article about Fernie Jr. Ghostrider’s Peewee Provincial win. However some important information was missed.

For the first time in 22 years, Fernie has won the B.C. Tier 4 Peewee Provincial Championship.  Coaches Mark Palmer, Claude Perreault, Bill Johnson and Harrison Rose led the team to a 1-0 gold medal win in Enderby, B.C., which has now been labelled as “The St. Patty’s Day Destiny on Ice”.

The seven teams participating at the provincials were the top teams representing their particular region of B.C.  Fernie’s team, which consists of players from Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford, played extremely well and battled hard as each game was very close.  There were no easy games and each of our players contributed to every goal and every win. I am so proud of the kids and their will to never give up.

Fernie’s Provincial Champions are: Forwards – Captain Liam Samycia, Assistant Captains Connor Will and Zac Perreault, James Cocciolo, Alexander Johnson (who also plays defense), Bo Hutchinson, Dom Durban, Arthur Vigneault and Bennett Arling.

Defense – Cole Hutchinson, Hayden Grabas, Elliott Burt and Tavin Quast.

Goalies – Branden MacNaughton and Tyler Palmer.

Throughout the season, the team had an impressive 36 wins (11 of which were shutouts), 13 losses, and five ties.  They played in eight tournaments resulting in five gold medal tournament championships.

The Fernie Peewee Rep Team received an overwhelming amount of support from the community and surrounding businesses and we cannot thank you enough for your generosity.  It takes a village to raise a child and an entire community to support a team.

Our fans and parent support were second to none and the excitement and electricity in every arena we entered and played in was infectious.  I truly believe that the friendships and memories made this year will last forever.

Shari PalmerFernie, B.C.