Exonian Wins Gold at Canada Games
Upper Deziray DeSousa, a member of Exeter’s girls’ hockey team, represented her home-province of Quebec in the Canada Games last week. Much like the Olympic Games, the Canada Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter. A strictly amateur competition, each province gathers only their best athletes to go up against the other provinces’ in several contests including archery, alpine skiing and even badminton.
After dominating both British Columbia and Prince Edward Island in two preliminary matches, DeSousa and her teammates outworked Ontario for a 3-1 win to secure a spot in the final bracket of the tournament. After defeating New Brunswick 4-2 in the quarterfinals, Quebec conquered Saskatewan in overtime to punch their ticket to the championship. Heading into the gold medal bout, Quebec and Ontario met again. Quebec netted the first goal a few minutes into the third period, but weren’t able to hold off Ontario as they responded to force overtime. Overpowering Ontario with finesse and strength, Quebec battled in overtime to capture the gold medal.
“Her gold medal and overall experience is forever going to hold a special place in her heart.”
Several of the girls were able to cheer on DeSousa from their dorm rooms as they watched online. Due to the games’ location (British Columbia), the gold medal matchup didn’t start until 10:30 p.m. EST. However, that didn’t stop the girls from showing their support for their beloved teammate.
DeSousa is a strong component of Exeter’s girls’ hockey team, and her teammates view her as a great player and an even better person.
Senior captain Marley Jenkins said, “She sets an example for all of us to follow.” DeSousa always makes jokes and has a laugh, Jenkins added, while also highlighting DeSousa’s incredible work ethic on the ice and in the weight room.
“She’s a dynamo,” senior teammate Carly Perrault added. “Her hard work is contagious.”
Senior captain Clara Gilbert noted, “Dez is the ideal student athlete. She works so hard in school and on the ice.” Going on to mention DeSousa’s admirable character, Gilbert also called attention to DeSousa’s positive attitude and persistent respect for all of her teammates.
“She is always giving 110 percent,” lower Kat Dumoulin said, “She’s the first one on and the last one off the ice.” Come game time, DeSousa’s hard work has been paying big dividends.
Lower Bonnie LaBonte said, “She makes great plays, but more importantly she makes the right plays.” LaBonte then drew comparisons to Marie Philip Poulin, aka “Ms. Clutch,” who has shined on the world stage. However, LaBonte was not the only one to point out DeSousa’s on-ice wits.
“In games, she is what I call a ‘creative thinker,’” coach Melissa Pacific said. “Her positioning is sneaky. She puts herself in areas on the ice where she gives herself the time and space to make things happen.”
While the team is ready to have their superstar back in red, they’re very proud of what she has accomplished.
“Her gold medal and overall experience is forever going to hold a special place in her heart,” Pacific said. As Exeter continues to pursue a playoff spot, the readdition of their top scoring threat will have a significant impact on the team’s outlook.
“She can handle anything [that’s] thrown at her,” Perrault said. This composed yet relentless mentality is exactly what the team is going to need as they face off against a strong but beatable Andover team this Saturday.