George Whitesides: “I rise today to share the heartbreaking and inspiring story of the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers, a 12-under hockey team…”

“I rise today to share the heartbreaking and inspiring story of the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers, a 12-under hockey team that plays in my district. While on the way to the Western Girls Hockey League playoffs, a snowplow collided head-on with one of their team vans, injuring five players and killing Manny Lorenzana. We remember Manny as a loving dad to Brody, an excellent partner to April, and a talented tattoo artist. After such a tragic event, the team rallied together and made the decision all on their own to play on for Manny and for their injured teammates. Amazingly, in the face of hardship that came far too early for those so young, the Santa Clarita Flyers ended up taking home the championship after a nail-biting final that ended 1-0 in overtime. Here is what I want this amazing team and their families to know: The entire Santa Clarita community has their back, and we are deeply proud of them. I can't wait to cheer them all on at the next home game next season.”