In life, people applaude someone by clapping their hands. In hockey, they bang their sticks on the ice.

As Wendy Pleau made her way to center-ice this afternoon, to award Team Wamsley with the Determination Cup, the sounds of sticks snapping echoed through Scottrade Center.

The Blues’ annual training camp scrimmage was named after Pleau, the wife of GM Larry Pleau, several years ago. But because of an ongoing battle with cancer, Pleau had been unable to attend in the past. But she finally made it on Thursday and said it was a great experience.

“It was really amazing . . . amazing,” Pleau said. “It gives me goose bumps. So much feeling inside, especially when I can stand and walk and watch it.”

Here’s a look at the Determination Cup . . .

Team Wamsley tied team Bennett 4-4 in the championship, but Team Wamsley finished with the most points in the tournament.

Tyson Strachan, Ryan Reaves, Paul Kariya and Chris Porter each scored for Team Wamsley in the championship game.

For Team Bennett, David Perron netted two goals, and Aaron Palushaj and Brett Ponich each had one.

But the story of the day was the appearance of Wendy Pleau.

“It chokes you up,” said Blues coach Andy Murray, who named the tournament. “We call it the Determination Cup for a reason. The battle she’s been fighting represents the battle a lot of people have to fight. It’s just special.”

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The Blues are going to announce some roster cuts in just a short while. I will post those as soon as I have them.

JR