A Prince George ringette player enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime on the global stage.
Lily Palmer played this week for Team Czech Republic at the 2023 World Ringette Championships in Calgary.
Palmer told MyPGNow.com the highlight was being part of the national team’s first-ever victory at the tournament, an 8-7 triumph over Sweden on Tuesday.
“Everyone just went wild, people were crying and it was just amazing. We are really grateful to be able to play against Team Sweden and we are so grateful for them and our own coaches, International Ringette Federation to be able to play on the world stage.”
“This was incredible because that was Team Czech Republic’s first win ever, which was amazing because in ten years the sport had existed in the Czech Republic they hadn’t won a game at the worlds. This is a significant moment for sure.”
Palmer who attends post-secondary school in Victoria found out about the chance to play in the tournament through Instagram and has been a dream come true.
“They were looking for some extra players of Czech descent. I asked my Mom to see if I was eligible for this because she has Czech citizenship and both of my grandparents on her side are Czech. I guess it all worked out.”
“It’s not something I thought would ever happen. I feel really lucky to be playing on a team with a bunch of people who all share the same background, representing my heritage.”
What makes the feat more impressive is that Palmer is deaf, but admits it hasn’t been as much of an obstacle as most people would think.
“I have cochlear implants so they give me the ability to hear. I have a microphone that the coach wears or whoever needs to get my attention and when they are speaking into it I can hear it. It basically works as a one-way walkie-talkie.”
Palmer and the Czechs lost to Sweden 6-2 today (Friday) in the Bronze Medal Game from the Winsport Arena.
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