Another Sunshine Coast team tasted success at the Jan. 2/3 tournament in Powell River. The Ducks went undefeated (4-0-1), bringing home the bronze medal with a 5-2 triumph over the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
The Ducks began the weekend with a 2-0 shutout over the Powell River Aeros. Reese Fletcher stood on his head, posting his first career shutout. Brendan Gray captured the game Digger award with two assists and tenacious defensive play at the centre position.
The Ducks used that performance as a springboard to a weekend full of terrific passing, teamwork and goal-tending. Reese ended the tournament giving up only eight goals in five games.
The Ducks tied their next game 3-3 against the Powell River Sharks. Novice call-up Kurt Hoogendoorn played a great game on defence, snagging the Digger award.
Next up was a 5-1 win over the Powell River Valley Builders. Teagan Howden played the best game of her rookie season, earning the Digger award. Kaden Simpson and Brendan Gray each scored two goals with gritty performances by wingers Hunter Mensink and Kai Hansen.
The next day brought a tilt versus the Campbell River Rangers. The winner would play for bronze. The Ducks were down 2-0 early, but fought back to emerge with a 4-2 win. The comeback was led by the buzz-saw duo of Ryan and Jacob Barth. Malcolm Roberts was a rock on defence, constantly winning battles against a relentless Campbell River attack.
The bronze medal game was a daunting task that the Ducks would conquer. The Capitals were a behemoth bunch, but the Ducks were not intimidated. Tim Walters captured the Digger award with two goals.
In addition, rookie Ken Ouchi-mor played a great tourney. He scored one goal and, more importantly, paved the way for the Ducks to win a couple dozen doughnuts as he potted two goals in the shootout competition.
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