When ringette players of all ages from across B.C. hit the ice last weekend in 91原创, the friends and family of Michelle Vandale said she would have been both proud and a little embarrassed.
鈥淚n a sense she was outgoing, but at the same time, she was shy and modest,鈥� said Yvette Johnson, who was both good friends and teammates with Vandale, as well as her stepmother.
鈥淏ut I think she would have been overwhelmed, pleasantly surprised.鈥�
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A few years ago, the already-existing Spirit of Winter ringette tournament was renamed in her honour, the Michelle Vandale Spirit of Winter ringette tournament.
鈥淪he was a huge presence and an incredible volunteer,鈥� said Jeaneen Briner, who is on the organizing committee and was another long-time friend and teammate.
Briner first met Vandale after moving from Montreal to 91原创.
Prior to her death, Vandale 鈥� who left behind a daughter, Alex (who is now 25) 鈥� was coaching youth ringette with the Fraser Valley Ringette Association.
Vandale had played the sport all her life.
She had coached in the Spirit of Winter tournament prior to her passing and the sport always held a special place in her heart.
Briner said it is fitting the tournament has been renamed in her honour.
鈥淚t captures what she would want 鈥� to celebrate our athletes, our young people,鈥� she said.
鈥淲e wanted to memorialize her spirit because she was such a kind, generous person,鈥� Briner said.
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