LCC’s Girls Hockey & Basketball Teams Journey to Boston

Lower Canada College’s girls hockey and girls basketball teams recently travelled to Boston on a trip that included four days of touring, bonding and some games against local area teams hosted at 2011_12_Boston_GirlsHockeyBasket_002Pingree School. While both teams had an opportunity to share some time together, their differing tournament schedules also necessitated the pursuit of distinct itineraries. (See photos)

Following an afternoon check-in at their hotel on Thursday afternoon, both teams headed to downtown Boston where players had an opportunity to browse the various shops and boutiques of Newbury Street, followed by dinner at the original ‘Cheers’ near Boston Common. The next morning, both teams headed out early for a full day of activities and games. The girls hockey team visited the New England Aquarium, where they pet sharks and kissed sea lions–developed a flash mob dance routine, had clam chowder in a bread bowl for lunch at Joe’s followed by cannoli for desert from Mike’s Pastries in Little Italy. Their afternoon also included a tour of the Holocaust Memorial and an afternoon reprieve at Quincy Market. After a full day of touring, they headed out to their first tournament match against Marblehead High School, where they played a closely fought match against a tough opponent.

Meanwhile, the basketball girls had started their day out at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, followed by an extensive tour of Boston College, with the day culminating in a basketball game against Pingree School.

On Saturday, both teams spent the bulk of their days playing exciting, competitive hockey and basketball against local teams. Once again, the hockey team broke out into their dance routine, much to the entertainment of the local crowd, while Desiray Desousa impressed us all during the skills competition with her 100-km/hour slap shot! The day ended with both teams having dinner together at the Cheesecake Factory in Danvers.

On Sunday, the hockey team started its day with a march up to Bunker Hill, followed by an extensive tour, on all decks, of the still active 1797 battleship, the USS Constitution. The hockey team then headed back to Little Italy for lunch at ‘Lucia’s’, and ended their Boston Expedition with a final ‘flash mob’ dance routine at Boston’s Quincy Market, which was full of holiday shoppers. (See video) Meanwhile, the girl’s Basketball team toured the New England Aquarium and ended their day with some shopping at Quincy Market.

Players and coaches had an outstanding time. There was a lot of laughter and many lifetime memories were forged. Both teams represented LCC exceptionally well. A very special thanks goes out to our bus driver at Coach Canada, Franco, who was always accommodating, pleasant and professional. –  Christian Auclair, Girls Hockey Team Coach