Greetings Panther Fans!
We took our first road trip of the year to luxurious Champaign, Illinois. We started the trip with a 5-star cooler lunch spread, featuring an incredible view of I-94 from the always-favorite Oasis. We arrived at our hotel, if you could call a 50-story international resort a hotel. Then we left, in our 200-yard limousine, to go to practice. We were greeted outside the football fieldhouse, if you could call a 50,000-seat stadium a fieldhouse, by a bevy of albino doves (we each got to take one home more on that later). Then as a welcome gift Illinois had personally flown in world-renowned hockey superstar Patrick Kane to help us with our training session and offer support.
Many of you readers may not know but Helen and, as she affectionately calls him "Patty Watty," went to high school together (true story) and actually lived about five miles from each other. So it was a sort of homecoming of sorts for her. Pat greeted her with a huge embrace and they were so happy to rekindle their friendship.
Demi, a hockey-loving-maple syrup drinking-Calgarian, started weeping uncontrollably. Our trainer Chad was forced to immediately sedate her (totally legitimate sedation) as she lost control of all body functions and became clearly disoriented. Demi was unable to practice due to her condition, but was able to play in the game the next day due to a hearty bowl of cinnamon toasters (knock off brand).
After our training session Pat flew everyone in his jet the the miles to Olive Garden, if you could call a 7-star lounge bistro an Olive Garden, where everyone was treated to unlimited pasta, bread sticks and salad. After dinner Pat got in his plane and flew back to Chicago and we in our limo back to our “hotel,” where everyone was treated to their own private suite and complementary bubble bath, and that is how the best day of our lives came to an end.
We arrived to the field the next day knowing that Illinois was going to be a good test for us. Both teams came out battling, but unfortunately Illinois got on the board first. We went into half time down 0-1 on this very hot and humid day. The second half didn’t go as we hoped, giving up two more goals, but we did score a very nice goal as well. Kelsey Holbert drove end line and hit a nice cross to which Kelly Lewers put in the back of the net. While unhappy with the loss we were overall happy with the improvement in our team shape and possession.
A big shout our to Carol Forbes for making the team treat bags for the ride home, they were awesome!!!
P.S. All doves and alive and healthy except for Hannah Kaul’s, which due to unfortunate bath room incident is no longer with us.
Go Panthers!
Helen & Demi
Disclaimer: Our account of this trip is loosely based on real details.
