Choking game victim, 11, to be remembered by soccer team

An 11-year-old Belle River girl who died while playing what's known as the choking game will be remembered by her soccer team Wednesday.

The tragic death of Aja Chandler shook the community.

The choking game, which produces a euphoric high, involves cutting off blood flow to the brain. It can be fatal.

Chandler's soccer team will play its first game Wednesday at L'Essor High School in Tecumseh. It will do so short one player to honour Chandler.

Head coach Stacey Ditchfield and parents said remembering Chandler in this way will also help the team move on from the tragedy.

"Every game, every practice, she's with us," Ditchfield said. "It's for the girls, to help them heal and help them move on and for me as a coach."

The team field 10 girls instead of 11 for the first 18 minutes. It's to honour Chandler, who wore No. 18. After 18 minutes, brief memorial will be held with her parents.The game starts at 6:30 p.m.

Natalie Hogeterp said she's nervous.

"Because I feel like we have to win this game for her, in honour of her," Hogeterp said.

Abbey Vickers, who plays on the team,said it is a family.

"She was part of the family. We're going to miss her and never forget her. This is one way to show she's going to be with us and always be remembered," Vickers said.

Parent Mary Hogeterp said the girls have become closer as a team and "remember Aja all the time."

"That's one extraordinary thing," she said, "these girls just don't forget about her."