AMHERST – She was well known for her energetic spirit and her continuous support for minor hockey in Amherst. Friday night’s Bluenose tournament opened with a dedication ceremony to hockey mom, Paula MacPhee, honouring her continued support and love for the game.
“Paula was one of our greatest supporters,” said Richard Allen who opened the tournament Friday night. “She was involved with (hockey) for years. But first and foremost, she was a hockey mom.”
Allen said MacPhee had three boys who played hockey and was even part of the executive.
“I worked with her personally for a number of years,” he said. “I thought the world of her. The one thing about Paula, and the one thing I noticed most is that she always had a smile on her face.”
The opening for the Bluenose Tournament was dedicated in MacPhee’s memory. Her son Jaeden dropped the puck to kick off the games.
“Tonight, the whole tournament and actually the whole year is dedicated to her and the family,” he added. “I’m glad the whole family is here tonight and we’re going to take a moment and show that minor hockey doesn’t forget her.”
MacPhee’s husband Todd was at the opening ceremony Friday night. He said his wife would be proud to receive the dedication.
“She would be extremely happy. She is happy, she’s watching us tonight, I firmly believe it,” he said.
Even thought his wife has passed, MacPhee said he knows she’s going to be watching the games and cheering on her team, just like she would be if she were in the stands.
“She’d holler if they won, she’d holler if they lost, it didn’t matter. She was a hockey mom.
“They never really leave us,” MacPhee added. “With her boys here, her mom and dad and myself, well get through this tonight.”
In opening night action, the Amherst Fire Department Ramblers defeated Truro 6-2 in Atom AA action and the Amherst Pharmasave Ramblers defeated Truro 3-1. The Amherst Insurance Ramblers lost a 4-2 decision to the Moncton Hawks.
jturner@amherstdaily.com
