The Toronto Rockets had quite the memorable 2005 season. Although these ladies didn’t win every game they played, they were without question the most consistent squad in the women’s elite division of the TFO Trillium Tour. Of the six tournaments in which they competed (5 Tour stops and the Trillium Cup included) this talented crew made an appearance in all but one championship game. They capped off their fantastic season by capturing their first women’s elite Canadian championship.

Although the infamous Toronto Shock had momentum going into this event, (2K5 Provincial elite women’s champions) their first elite Canadian title was thwarted by another T-dot rival, the Toronto Rebels. The Rebels, as most of you know, are comprised of many former Scarborough Flamingos--the famed ladies in hot pink who dominated the women’s scene before that division branched off into flag a few years ago.

Toronto Rockets’ coach Steve Morell told me that when the Flamingos were wining double A titles at will those few years ago, his Rockets team lost a contest to them in the 70+ to zero range. Of course, the 2005 Rockets are a much different team, as are the Rebels, however, the nostalgic factor added some extra spice to this championship showdown.

As expected, the solid defenses of these squads played the largest roles for much of this game. Engaged in a heated defensive battle, it would be last minute offensive efforts from the Rockets that would steal the memories. With only minutes left, and down by three points and faced with a third down situation, the Rockets scored a thrilling lengthy touchdown, taking a three point lead. Not content with tossing what would be the winning touchdown, Rockets qb, Marif "Mouse" Villagonzalo would intercept last minute Rebel ettempts, sealing her teams very first elite title.

TFO would like to congratulate the Rockets on their phenomenal Tournament Of Champions results. For a team that practiced hard and played so well all season, we couldn’t think of a better squad to represent the women’s division as National Champions. TFO would also like to congratulate the Rebels and the rest of the elite women’s teams for producing such exciting games at the TOC and the Trillium Tour. It’s been far too long since we’ve seen competition like this from our women’s teams. We look forward to seeing you all next season!