Sports pundits from across the nation have pretty much used all the clichés in reporting action from the world juniors but two words the Village of Murray River will never tire of hearing in relation to all that action is Brandon Gormley.
Brandon comes from a small community with one rink that has produced a number of big names in the sport of hockey. Not bad for a population of fewer than 500 people.
But opportunities don't abound for players from those smaller arenas. Sacrifices must be made to earn a spot on a national team and it takes a great deal of determination to get there.
But here he is: Brandon Gormley is playing for his country in front of a world-wide audience.
Brandon is proud of his roots and takes every opportunity to tell people he's from Murray River, a small village in the smallest province in Canada.
But that once small boy from a small community is now reaping the rewards of a resoluteness he's exhibited from day one, says his grandmother Myrna MacPherson. She and his grandfather Ralph remember a much younger Brandon stepping onto the ice for his first taste of minor hockey. He'd fall, get up and fall again, they said.
Brandon's played in a lot of rinks since that fall day long ago and now his grandparents travel to Moncton to watch the 19 year old, inarguably their favourite player with the Moncton Wildcats, defend the blueline with poise and confidence.
The MacPhersons are proud of their grandson and Ralph, who was a blueliner in his own hockey days, wanted people to know how special he is to them. So he recently went into his workshop and painted a Phoenix Coyote, a Moncton Wildcat, hockey sticks and the now familiar number 3 worn by Brandon on the tailgate of his truck.
That pride has filtered throughout the community and the province. Brandon is respected and admired for his accomplishments and his down to earth and gentlemanly nature.
It speaks volumes for a young man to identify his goals and leave home at a young age of 14 to fulfill them. In this process his family has had to share their son with the nation this Christmas. His absence at other family gatherings and special occasions is obviously noted but soothed by the fact that he keeps in touch whenever possible. "He faithfully calls in when he's home," says his grandfather.
Brandon makes us proud to say we're from Murray River, PEI. He's a young man with a future and an inspiring influence on young players in small rinks everywhere.
We can't all stand along the boards to cheer him on this time but we'll be rooting for Team Canada from our living rooms for sure.
Win or lose Brandon has shown us the value of courage and hard work.
At the time of writing this Team Canada was 4-0 in the tournament. They would play Tuesday night in the semi-finals.
Heather Moore is editor of The Eastern Graphic. She can be reached at editor@peicanada.com