Ancaster school celebrates Fortino’s Team Canada win

(Updated) There was a lot of cheering going on for Laura Fortino at her former high school.

Other than maybe Sochi, there was no better place to be today than at Bishop Tonnos High School. Over a thousand students packed into the gym to watch the game on a big screen. Throughout the game, they stayed positive, event when it looked like all was lost, and the win was quite a celebration.

“It feels so good to win, oh my god we were so nervous.”

“Insane absolultely insane, everyone was up and screaming and yelling we couldn’t hear anything but cheers.”

This is the first gold medal for Bishop Tonnos almunus Laura Fortino who set up the winner, in overtime.

Teacher Brian Grahaulis: “I just spoke to Laura’s brother, they’re all crying at the house it’s an amazing feeling. We’re so proud of Laura and Team Canada.”

For a while, it didn’t look good for for Canada. Down 2-0 to the Americans with less than 5 minutes left, but students stayed positive

“It’s OK they’re coming, you just hold on.”

“I think we’re gonna come back, send it to overtime and I think there’s gonna be a miracle in Sochi for the Canadians today.”

Then, the Canadians scored.

“We got three minutes to get one more goal, overtime, we’ll do it.”

Fans and faculty at Bishop Tonnos are happy that one of their own has made it so far.

Teacher Helen Downey: “I knew when she came in grade nine that she would be an Olympian some day, and this is absolutely just inspiring for all the kids here and just a special privilege for me that I taught her and to see her at the Olympics is outstanding.”

Making Fortino’s assist on Canada’s golden goal all the more special.