The Bantam Rep Blues finished 2010 off in grand style, winning gold at the Vancouver Spirit Christmas holiday tournament.
Coming into the tournament on a roll after posting a stellar 7-2-1 record in regular season play, the Blues kept things rolling by dominating Saanich in the first game, winning 7-4.
Tyler Graham was named game MVP for his stellar defensive play and his four assists.
Game two was a tougher test as the Blues played a much higher seeded Vancouver Spirit team.
It was a back and forth affair that was still tied late in the third period, but the Blues poured it on in the final minutes, scoring three goals to post a 7-5 victory.
Therin Hemstalk was named game MVP on the strength of his hat trick.
In game three, the Blues squared off with Comox Valley in another tight contest that saw the Blues trailing with a minute to go. Needing a tie to advance to the playoffs, the Blues pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. The move worked as Gavin Strom scored to tie the game at 4-4 with 30 seconds to play. The tie ensured the Blues first place in their bracket and a trip to the semifinals.
Kyle Bergh was named game MVP with a goal and two assists.
The Blues took on a team from Everett, Wash. in the semifinal and dominated from the start, outshooting them badly through 40 minutes. But some stellar goaltending from the Everett keeper kept things close.
With the score tied at 4-4, the Blues won a key face-off in the Everett zone with less than a minute to play. Therin won the draw straight to Lakota Joe who blasted home the game winner. Lakota was named game MVP for a great all-round effort.
The final saw the Blues square off against Surrey.
Surrey, like all the other Blues' opponents, were seeded much higher in regular season play, and it showed in the first period. Surrey dominated the Blues and only a stellar effort from Blues' goalie Ethan Hutton kept the score close.
Trailing 2-0 after the first period, the Blues got a lift after a goal from Therin and soon after tied the game at 2-2 after a great goal from Brennan Mayers.
The Blues took control of the game in the third period on goals by Robbie Casey, who tipped in a Lakota point shot, and a sublime effort from Brennan to finish off a pretty three-way passing play.
With the game seemingly in hand, the Blues got into penalty trouble and Surrey was able to tie up the score. With overtime looming, the Blues mounted one last push and a seemingly innocent shot by Luke Kalenuik found its way past the Surrey goalie.
After killing off the final frantic 30 seconds, the Blues celebrated their gold medal win. Game MVP went to Ethan in goal, and just as easily could have gone to Brennan, who was a force all game according to coach Ray Graham.
"This was truly a team victory as every line and defensive pairing had significant contributions," Graham said. "Now it's back to regular season play and hopefully a banner for the Blues."
