Branson and his 6-9 year-old Avalanch teammates play on Aces ice - part 2: Boys and girls charge onto the ice, play hard and chaotic

Sporting pink skatelaces and a beautiful smile, Shailey Symbol prepares to go out and do battle for the Avalanche - against the Avalanche. For the exhibition game that fell between the first and second periods of the match between the Anchorage Aces and the Stockton Thunder, the team divided in half to play itself.

Kira Hietala of Wasilla's Avalanche, a team of six to nine year olds. There are fifteen players on the team, five of them are girls. They smile pretty, but they play as tough and hard as do the boys.

As his dad straps his helmet onto his head, Branson pysches himself up for the six-minute game.

Wasilla's Alaska Avalanche is now ready to skate out onto the ice and take itself on. The young hockey players just have to wait for the Aces, who still battle the Thunder - who they will defeat, 3 - 1.

Soon, the Aces exit the arena and pass by where the Avalanche awaits their turn on the ice. Most of the Aces scoot on by, but center Garry Nunn pauses to thump some helmets.

Coach Steve Johnson sent Branson onto the ice first, right behind Boomer, the Aces polar bear mascot. Johnson asked the other players if they knew why he wanted to send Branson out first. "Yes," they answered, it was a thank you to Branson's dad, Scot Starheim, for making the arrangements with the Aces to invite the Avalanche to perform on their ice.

I had thought the players would gather in the middle of the arena for introductions. This did not happen. The moment they all were on the ice was the moment they started to play. They had six minutes, total time, clock running. There was no time to waste on introductions. Once started, they did not stop for anything.

At first, it seemed to me to be nothing but chaos on the ice.

Soon, it became clear that these young athletes had come to Anchorage to play hockey. Brendon Creech battles an opponent for the puck.

Mikey Greco reaches for the puck.

Davi McGrew, also sporting pink skatelaces, takes control of the puck and then concentrates on the goal.

Davi shoots and scores against Phillip Brevogel.

A bit later, Phillip blocks what would have been another score.

The game is over. No one kept score and Coach Johnson thinks maybe only one score was made - Davi's. I told you the girls played as tough as the boys.

Wasilla's Alaska Avalanche won the game.

Boomer exchanged a congratulatory high five with Kaleb Estrada.

Inside, Boomer had love to give to all the Avalanche.

Branson exchanges a high five with Boomer.

Comments

[Mrs Gunka]

Jack of all trades! NYC photojournalist. Whaler photojournalist. Hockey photojournalist. (Big and small!) And Grandpa photojournalist...extraordinaire We are so fortunate! Thank you Bill!!

[Annette Donaldson]

Bill it just amazes me every time I go to your blog how I can be laughing, smiling, crying tears of joy or even saddness.. but I LOVE it and look forward to feeling and expressing these feelings and emotions. So much is felt and expressed in your blog and it has become a daily ritual to see what you have posted about your life, community, family, and passion. The story about meeting and courting your wife.. wasn't long.,... enough at all. Being able to see the story and pictures of Aurora's Wedding was just AMAZING.. This little Warrior girl who I have seen grow up and compete against throughout my years at WEIO, has become a beautiful woman and I cried and cried happy tears seeing her wedding. Words will not put justice to how talented, passionate, and such an inspiration you are about all you do and what you see. You give a new perspective on a world many just continue to make the daily motions to get through the week. Thank you for taking all your time to keep up with this blog. YOUR SO APPRECIATED! MANY BLESSINGS ALWAYS TO YOU & YOURS

[ManxMamma]

Love these pictures!

[Logbook - Wasilla - Beyond]

Thank you, Mrs Gunka, Annette and ManxMamma!

Now, how do I live up to such expectations? I will try.

[Gane]

Aww.. what a moment! Lovely pictures and experience.