The Midget House C1 squad captured their second straight playoff banner Saturday night at the Sunshine Coast Arena - and they beat a familiar foe to do it.
The C1 squad, coached by Nick Bergnach, took on the Midget C2 squad, coached by Al Schwingenschloegl, in a tense battle.
The arena was jumping as the stands were packed with enthusiastic supporters from both teams.
The game lived up to the advanced billing as both teams left it all on the ice.
C1 took a 1-0 lead three minutes into the first period as Justin Brown put on a few fancy moves, deked out the defence and slid one past C2 goalie Morgan Walker.
C2 tied it at 1-1 on another highlight reel effort, this time from Cam Graham.
Early in the second period, C1 restored their lead as Justin Brown roofed a great shot over the shoulder of Morgan for a 2-1 lead. Minutes later it was 3-1 as James Pomfret scored.
The C2 squad had several quality scoring chances in the middle frame, but were either thwarted by the goaltending of Ty Dempster or the goal post. C2 hit a post and a cross bar in the period.
C1 made it 4-1 early in the third as Mala McLennan and Mike Gray broke out on a two-man break with Mala finishing off the passing play.
C2 cut the lead to 4-2 as Mike Holm scored, but C2 ran out of time.
Mike Gray scored the final goal for C1 to ice the win.
In two seasons, the C1 squad has won a pair of league and playoff banners.
"The boys really worked hard," said Bergnach. "In the second period, I got the sense we maybe wanted it a bit more. Al's got a great team and we battled with them all year long."
After just winning the league banner by a few points, the C1 squad lost its first two playoff games.
"We knew we needed every point possible after that to have a chance," Bergnach said. "We won our last six games and played disciplined hockey. We have a good group of kids and they've really played well together the past two years."
Schwingenschloegl said he was disappointed with the result, but not with the effort of his team.
"It was a great game. What a showcase for hockey here on the Coast," he said.
"The game just reinforced the battle that both teams have been in all season. We both stressed the importance of sportsmanship and discipline throughout the year. I think that's why both teams were successful and why we ended up in the final."
Schwingenschloegl said the game was lost in the second period.
"When they went up 2-1, we lost some steam," he said. "Then we hit a post and they scored again - I could just see our bench sag a bit."
The championship final was originally slated for North Vancouver. But after consultation between the Lions Gate League officials, Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey and both team managers, the game was moved back to Sechelt.
"The hometown support was really something," said Bergnach.
"Accolades have to go to managers Robyn Walker and Tracey Forrest and our minor hockey president," added Schwingenschloegl. "They worked so hard to get the game in Sechelt. It was great to see so much support for minor hockey in our community."
