The Plywood Palace in Golden was packed Saturday night for an unforgettable game.
Onlookers cheered for the Golden Rockets that night, with local goalie Isabella “Izzy” Palumbo tending the net. Together,the team played their way to victory.
Palumbo has become somewhat of a local celebrity, as a female player who is only 15 years old. Not only did her goaltending with the Rockets lead the way to victory, but she is one of very few young women who have played in the junior Bhockey level.
“It was really awesome. It went pretty much as good as it could have,” Palumbo said. “The whole energy was just differentwith the whole team. Everyone played as hard as they could, and it was awesome.”
The Golden Arena stands were packed with fans, friends, and family, cheering on the team. Palumbo’s dad, Mike Palumbo,said he thinks there were around 500 to 600 people in attendance that night.
“That building was as electric as I’ve ever seen in my whole life,” he added. “They just had such a good time, and they loved it. It was really fun to see the community.”
But, the crowds didn’t intimidate Palumbo once she started playing.
“It was nerve-wracking and exciting, and it turned out to go really well,” she said. “It seemed like everyone in Golden cameout to support.”
Palumbo has been busy practising with the Rockets to prepare for the game on Saturday night. While she was a new face tomany of them, one of her teammates that night was also an affiliate she knows from the early years of her hockey career.
Defense man Samuel Lussier plays with Palumbo on the Revelstoke Grizzlies team, and was out on the ice with her onSaturday night. He has been affiliated with the Rockets for two years, and has played as many games as he can with them.As an affiliate, players are only permitted to play five games in a season. Lussier finished up his run with the Rockets thisseason with Palumbo beginning hers.
Palumbo’s success playing as an affiliate player with the Golden Rockets is creating a buzz across the country.
Already, she has been interviewed by newspapers from Nanaimo and Vancouver, B.C., to the Ottawa Citizen in the nation’scapital.
The excitement is keeping her and her family busy, but it’s back to the rink for Palumbo. She plays on the midget tier threeRevelstoke Grizzlies team, and is occupied with practises and games there.
“This really helps get my name out, so it could help me in the future. I’ve done a few interviews… and all the social media isgetting my name out,” she explained.
But the best part to Palumbo was when the Rockets got their victory, and all of her new team mates went to the net at theend of the game with big hugs and smiles.
Although the Palumbo’s aren’t sure when she will play next with the Rockets, those who missed the game on Saturday cancatch her in action when she plays in Revelstoke this Saturday as the Revelstoke Grizzlies midget team plays against theNorth Okanagan Knights.
