Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/975945
k What are the chances? Through all the options that this world provides for us—seven continents, 195 countries, hundreds of years—here we are, falling in love with the same thing at the same time. It's brought us together, more than just a group of people doing the same thing. We are a family that loves the name we share and wear with pride. We have fought through the toughest of times and we've come out as winners, whether on the scoreboards or in our hearts. We lean on each other and support each other, no matter what. We have each made our share of mis- takes, but we have always forgiven and learned from them. We are equipped with the powerful knowl- edge that if we struggle, there are three lines of strong sisters behind us to lean on. I truly believe that there isn't anything stronger than that. We have celebrated together, and we have been disappointed together, but we never left each other's sides. We've grown so much as people, as play- ers, as friends and daughters and sisters. But we didn't do it alone. No matter how bad a loss, we always had people with us, ready to lift each other up. I love watching this team thrive. We have so much genuine heart and soul, it's what really sets us apart from the competition. The beauty is our desire to learn, and our hunger to win. It's our heart that has kept us in this, and I think that this year it's really shown. The numbers don't add up, but here we are, the 'Southern team' that thrives off of each other, and lives with a con- stant hunger to prove ourselves. Fighting for a place in this love of ours, relentlessly. This weekend I have one request: Fight your hardest, because you deserve it. Your drive, your mind and your heart deserve it. If you don't do it for yourself, then look around you. Do it for the parents who invest in your love. Do it because we have something to prove. Do it for your sisters. I say all of this just to thank you for being some of the best people I've ever met. Thank you parents and teammates alike for accepting me with open arms. Thank you for your time and dedication to this family, and for all your individual efforts and achievements. And especially thank you for being there for me and my teammates when we needed you. But most of all remember this, never stop fighting for each other, or for what you believe, even if it means getting into a little trouble with the refs. Because in my mind, it's worth it. This is what we have fallen in love with, and what has brought us together. And that, my friends, is our family, And that, my sisters, is hockey. APRIL/MAY 2018 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 25 THREE LINES OF SISTERS Editor's Note: Sophie Trentini wrote this letter to her Carolina Jr. Hurricanes teammates as they headed to Southeastern District playoffs. Her words speak for how many players feel about the bonds that are formed during the hockey season. Sophie and her teammates made it to the 2018 USA Hockey Girls Tier II 16 & Under National Championship. by SOPHIE TRENTINI Raleigh, NC The crown jewel to a long and successful season is a trip to the USA Hockey National Championships.