Last night was Shannon night at Graham Arena as all the Rochester high school girls teams played. Century sported lime green tape, JM/Lourdes had lime green skate laces and Mayo wore lime green ribbons.
The teams each donated $500 to the Shannon O'Hara Foundation. That $1500 put us over the $100,000 mark. In the four years since Shannon passed, this community, this hockey community has helped us raise this money. I am feeling so humbled this morning by the support we received again last night.
Shannon's friends from each team spoke about her during the on ice presentation. In the stands, there were kids of all ages in Shannon sweatshirts. The U12A team was there, wearing their team gear which sport the Shannon logo. Even the U10 girls were there, wearing their white RYHA jerseys with a winged #9.
Our friends showed up, and Erin's friends showed up, too. We were surrounded by love and support and people who remembered Shannon for her spunk, her wit and her smile.
The best part of the night, the part that finally put me over the edge, was the Mayo HS starting line up. As they announced each position, they saved left wing for last. The PA announcer said, "starting at left wing, the angel among us, Shannon the Cannon". Mayo started the game with just four skaters on the ice, leaving Shannon's position vacant, honoring her absence.
That brought so many tears for me... it's bringing me tears right now just writing about it.
Mayo promptly went down and scored a goal, going on to win the game. A victory on Shannon night for the Mayo Spartans was only fitting.
Thank you to all who were in attendance last night and those who have supported us along the way. Shannon is with us all, always.
