The Bantam Rep Blues finished the first half of the season with a convincing 6-0 victory over South Delta, giving the Blues a 9-2-1 record and a four-point lead over the second place team. Because of the Blues' strong record in the first half of the season, as well as a good showing at a Christmas tournament in North Vancouver, the Blues will be moving up a tier in the second half. The Blues scored 63 goals and allowed only 19 against in 12 games that included five shutouts. The Blues averaged 12.5 penalty minutes a game, which earned them 10 sportsmanship points. The Blues will be able to carry those points into the higher tier.
"The boys have been playing an exceptionally good defensive game that has helped propel the team to some very decisive victories," said coach Brent Parker. "Good forechecking and tenacious backchecking have been some of the key elements of the Blues game, as they have not allowed the opposition many decent scoring opportunities. In six of the games the goal differential was five or more in favour of the Blues, and in only two games did the opposition manage to score as many as four goals. The Blues have had to play shorthanded most of the season, mainly due to injuries and sickness, but with the help of some strong affiliate players, they have continued to win decisively."
The Blues' are looking forward to the second half of the season, as they open against Chilliwack tomorrow (Saturday) at 5:30 p.m. in Sechelt before travelling to North Vancouver for a game on Sunday.
