BONNYVILLE – It was a celebration of life that came too early. On Friday, Oct. 21, the Bonnyville Voyageurs played their quarter final match in memory of Miriam Godziuk, the daughter of Voyageurs Head Coach Larry Godziuk.
The Friday night game had been scheduled to take place in Lloydminster against the Lloydminster Comp. Barons.
Due to Miriam’s passing on Oct. 16, the team agreed to travel north to give the Voyageurs the opportunity to honour the former Bonnyville Bandits’ player, who later became the Voyageurs team trainer for about eight years.
“I don't think that can be overstated, how impressed with [the Barons] we were that they were willing to come here… that means a lot, it means a lot to our program and that's first class,” said Kevin Sartain, the Bonnyville Amateur Football Association president and head coach for Friday's game.
Miriam’s father and regular head coach for the Voyageurs attended the memorial game but took the opportunity to be a spectator with family and friends in the stands.
Before kick-off, a moment of silence was observed in Miriam’s honour.
A table was also set up where people could write down their favourite memories of Miriam, as well as purchase a flower with funds going back to the Godziuk family who are working towards creating a Nursing Scholarship in Miriam’s name.
Miriam attended college to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She completed the first year of the LPN program and hoped to complete her second year of studies once her health stabilized.
"Miriam would've made a great nurse,” said Miriam’s mother Jennifer, in a statement that was shared on a gofundme webpage.
“She'd been through so many illnesses and injuries that she would've almost always been able to reassure patients with an ‘Oh, I've had that before. Here's how it's going to happen and going to feel."
The 22-year-old's passing has left a hole in Bonnyville’s close-knit football community.
“Miriam grew up here on this field. Larry has been bringing her around here since she was just a little girl. She played bantam football. She was part of the Bandit squad. She was with the Voyageurs as a trainer. She ran our clock... She was a kid that grew up here and she meant a lot to us,” said Sartain.
“Coach Larry, he's the last of our old guard – and she was his little girl.”
Miriam, who spent a lifetime both on the sidelines and on the gridiron, will be remembered by those she played with and those she helped train.
To bring Miriam’s presence to the game, friends and family worked together to compile a list of her favourite songs to play during game breaks.
Miriam was born on May 22, 2000 and passed away on Oct. 16, 2022.
Quarter finals
In the end, the Voyageurs came up short against the Barons losing 36 to 12.
But in an astounding turn of events, the Voyageurs returned in the last four minutes of the game scoring two touchdowns.
Earning points for the home team in the fourth quarter was Voyageur player #77 Josh Gibbs, followed by #28 Aiden Lawton.
“We came in here with very heavy hearts against a tough team. We were only 22 [players] strong. And you know what, we played right to the end and that shows in our last two touchdowns,” said Sartain.
“I can't ask for any more than that. I'm very proud of our players. Very proud of the boys.”
The loss means the home team is out for the season. The Lloydminster Comp. Barons will carry on in the Wheatland Football League and play against the Lloydminster Holy Rosary Raiders on Oct. 28.
Also competing in semi-finals are the St. Paul Lions and the Cold Lake Royals. Kick-off will take place at 7 p.m. at St. Paul Regional High School on Oct. 28.