People say a sports team is like a second family and for the U22 Lethbridge Eagles women’s team, that couldn’t be more true.
On Saturday, the team hosted their first commemorative hockey game in honor of their former teammate, Emily Middagh.
Middagh lost her battle with mental health in February.
“It’s going to be an exciting day whether I know her or not,” said team captain Skylar Colonna.
“It can bring up feelings no matter who, because I’m sure everyone can say they know someone or have had some mental health issues themselves.”
Colonna described Middagh as creative, humble, soft-spoken and quirky.
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“I remember she stepped on the ice the first time and she played and said, ‘Oh my God, this girl is amazing.’
Coach Megan Skelly remembers that first skate, too.
“Honestly, the first game that came out and he scored two goals and the smile he had on his face coming back on the bench was just amazing,” added Skelly.
Middagh’s season with the Eagles was cut short due to the pandemic and the cancellation of games. But still, she will always be part of the team.
“We were lucky to have her,” Skelly said. “And even though we didn’t get her for a full 4 or 5 years, she made an impact in that dressing room as someone we wanted to make sure she was on our team.”
Donations were accepted, 50/50 tickets sold, and a silent auction was held to raise money for both of them. Youth one and Companion legs.
Youth One is a local nonprofit organization that provides youth in Lethbridge with mental health mentoring, support, and resources. Whereas Companion Paws is an organization that gives dogs a second chance and is closely related to Emily’s journey. It’s where he got his support dog, River.
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All funds raised will be matched by the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association.
“I don’t think she wants us to be sad,” Colonna said. “I think she would want us to be happy and bond.”
The team wanted to plan a commemorative game to honor Middagh. On Saturday afternoon, veteran and rookie players buckled up their skates to play the game that brought Middagh into their lives.
“I know Emily was a super happy person, so I wouldn’t want us to sit here in mourning, but we can take a little space to say that there is sadness attached to that,” Skelly said.
“And what can we do, how can we live our life, what is the legacy that she can have in this program and also in this conversation to carry it forward.”
Middagh was known for her catchphrase, “noise.” Skelly thinks that’s what she would say if she saw the team come together for her.
“He’s extremely humble, so there’s a part that would probably make her a little uncomfortable,” Skelly laughed.
Middagh’s family declined an interview, but thanked the team for all they did to honor their daughter.
The Lethbridge Eagles beat the Calgary Titans 4-2. They hope to bring back the memorial game every year, making it bigger and better.
But the conversations about mental health will last all year.
“It doesn’t matter how you feel and if the world feels like it’s against you, that the world is definitely a better place with you in it and that you can talk to anyone,” Colonna said. “You are not alone, whatever happens.”
If you, or someone you know, needs mental health assistance, you can contact the AHS Mental Health Services at 1-877-303-2642.
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