SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The Santa Clarita Lady Flyers girls' hockey team won a championship trophy in Colorado, overcoming a tragic vehicle accident.
The team was traveling for a tournament when their rented van collided on the slick, snow-covered highway in Colorado on Jan. 29, 2023. The van's driver, 38-year-old Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana-Villegas, died in the crash, confirmed by the Clear Creek Coroner's Office. Three players aged 12 and younger were in the vehicle; some sustained injuries, with two remaining hospitalized.
After the accident, the players chose to continue competing to honor their fallen teammate. They played five games in three days, winning all but one, according to the Gazette. The Lady Flyers secured the championship with a 1-0 shootout victory.
The team is scheduled to return to Santa Clarita this week, where a homecoming reception is planned for them. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Lorenzana-Villegas's family.
This report is based on accounts from the team's tournament participation and previous coverage by FOX 11.