Story by Randy Schultz; Photos by Janet Schultz©
Having three sisters playing on the same hockey team is not unusual in the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation (WNYGVIHF) these days. But when two of the sisters are twins that makes the situation just that much more interesting.
That is the situation that the Clarence/Amherst/Sweet Home, aka CASH, found themselves in this season with the three Bizub sisters. Cece is the oldest, a ninth grader. Her two younger sisters, twins, Penny and Addie, are in seventh grade.
And what a season it was for CASH. First they won the WNYGVIHF championship, finishing first in the Fed. Then they won the Section VI title, defeated Webster to win the Far West Regional before going on to the NYS Regional semi-finals.
So what are the sister’s thoughts about playing on the same team?
“It’s exciting and special to be playing with both of them,” answered Penny, a forward, who attends Amherst Middle School. “It’s nice being on the same line with Addie some times.
“It’s been a great experience.”
“I like it because they’re not afraid to tell me what I might be doing wrong,” added Addie, a forward, who also attends Amherst Middle School. “It’s great to have someone, especially your sisters, helping you out and cheering you on.”
Cece, being the eldest of the trio, sees things a bit differently.
“It’s really special because we’ve never played on the same team together until this year,” said Cece, who plays defense, attends Amherst Central High School. “Addie and I had played together before, but the three of us playing together hadn’t happened.
“I just think it’s pretty cool to have all three of us on the same team.”
Being the oldest, does Cece feel any special responsibility to the twins?
“I feel that I have to be more encouraging to the twins,” responded Cece. “We help each other out, especially with what we might be doing wrong or what we need to work on.
“It’s good, constructive criticism. I think the feedback I get from my sisters is feedback I can trust because it’s coming from family.”
How do the twins like having their older sister on the same team?
“I like it because I think I always have somebody always looking out for me,” commented Penny. “I know she’s already been through some of the things I’m just going through right now.”
“So I know I can always go to her,” added Addie. “She’s very helpful.
“We know we’re not alone.”