Rousing talk leads to striking win by young Northland hockey team

A rousing pre-match peptalk from captain Tarannah Vette spurred the Northland women's hockey team to their first win of the 2004 NHL season yesterday.
Northland beat Midlands 3-0 in Whangarei with 13-year-old Stacey Michelsen smashing home two goals and Jesse McQuinn one.
Coach Donna Edlington said Vette's pre-match team-talk had set the scene for a powerful performance which was a massive confidence booster after three narrow losses from their first three games.
Vette said she just reminded the players of their responsibilities when pulling on the blue uniform.
"Before the girls were allowed to put on their uniforms we talked about what it meant to play for Northland and how privileged we were," the 150 game veteran said.
"Everybody lifted their play and got gutsy and the goals came.
"We decided to go out there and make it happen and not wait for them to come at us.
"This is a great morale booster because we have gone so close so many times, to get points on the board is awesome."
McQuinn scored Northland's first goal in the 25th minute, following up after a Vette shot rebounded off the Midlands goalie for 1-0 at halftime.
Thirteen-year-old Michelsen is the youngest player in the NHL but played like a veteran in the second half when knocking in two goals from open play, both times swivelling and letting rip with shots that blasted past the hapless Midlands' goalie.
Northland were impressive across the park, with Keri Linklater thwarting numerous attacking raids at the back, Vette running straight and hard, McQuinn all aggression, which earned her 10 minutes in the sinbin at one stage, and Ella Gunson showing nice skills.
"The girls played with a lot more determination and they gave the ball width, it was a good team effort," coach Donna Edlington said.
Northland had earlier lost 4-2 to North Harbour in Whangarei on Saturday, with Toni Mason the standout and Kelsey Dunn and Jane Clarke the goal scorers.
The Igasan sisters, Lizzie and Connie who both hail from Whangarei, scored three goals between them for Harbour.