Who was Kyla Kowalik?
Kyla Kowalik was the eldest daughter of Rick and Cecily Kowalik and big sister to Carly and Reese. She was an avid athlete and from a young age displayed not only an interest in sports but many gifted skills as well. Kyla played soccer, volleyball, and basketball. She figure skated and did track and field. But her true passion was hockey.
Kyla began playing hockey in New Hamburg with a boys team at the PeeWee level. Always wearing #4 and playing defense, she continued to play on a boys team right up to the Bantam AE level and was a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
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 Kyla Kowalik (1989-2006) |
Kyla then made the switch to women's hockey and played for the Plattsville Rage for the next two years. In her final year of Midget she was unable to play due to an injury to her knee and ACL. Even though her injury kept her sidelined from hockey, she attended her team's games and cheered on her teammates. Kyla was a strong advocate for women's hockey. She played the game with determination and strength and displayed sportsmanship and respect to her teammates, coaching staff, opponents and officials.
Kyla underwent surgery to repair her knee in 2006. Following her surgery and while at home recovering, Kyla had complications from the surgery and developed clots in both her lungs. She passed away on November 6, 2006 at home.
Kyla was a loving and much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and cousin. She was a dependable, honest and true friend to many. Kyla was actively involved in high school committees and volunteering in her community. She loved animals, the outdoors, the beach, shopping, and Bon Jovi, just to name a few. The impact of the loss of this talented, wonderful, giving young woman is enormous and continues to be felt to this day.
This tournament weekend we honour Kyla and her family. This weekend we believe that there was a greater reason that Kyla was taken from us far too early. This weekend we have the opportunity to make new friends and lasting memories.