Dreams coming true for Gavel at Parapan Am Games

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Team Canada will play Team USA in the gold medal game Friday night. after beating Argentina 82-28 in the semifinals on Thursday

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Although she’s been through a lot emotionally and physically since 2012, Gavel wouldn’t trade her journey for anything.

In fact, she’d actually repeat it all just for another taste of the Parapan Am Games.

“Looking back, I would do that all over again just to experience this another time,” said Gavel. “I never imagined that a person could feel that much pride of being Canadian. If I had to go through all those surgeries, all those injuries and all the stress I went through over again just to experience this type of tournament one more time, hands down it would happen.

“I wouldn’t even have to think twice about it.”

She’s having that much fun. Who wouldn’t playing in a sold out Ryerson Athletic Centre, which was formally known as Maple Leaf Gardens and more colloquially known as the ‘Cathedral of Hockey?’

“Hands down this is the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in or I’ve ever been a part of,” said Gavel. “It’s not too often a women’s team sells out a stadium with everyone cheering for you.

“(Tuesday) against Brazil, it was a sold out crowd and it was so amazing. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to be a part of this experience. It’s not even playoffs yet. From what I’ve heard in the village and from the Canadian Paralympic Committee, it’s just going to be getting better and louder and that much more exciting.”

Gavel has been pitching in as well. In 20 minutes of work in Team Canada’s 78-18 win over Guatemala on Saturday, Gavel had 10 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals in 20 minutes of work. Canada has also beaten Mexico 80-39 and Brazil 82-51.

Personally, Gavel herself has received support from all over the province, especially from her hometown of Prince Albert and the large centres of Saskatoon and Regina.

“I never even imagined this many people would be interested in what I was doing or what our organization was doing,” said Gavel. “It’s very humbling and it’s extremely overwhelming to have that much support.

“All the messages people have been sending us giving us congratulations on our pool play, we’re so grateful for it. It helps us with momentum going into playoffs and we’re very, very excited.”

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea