The Midget C1 House squad captured the playoff banner with a 3-1 win over Hollyburn last Saturday in Squamish.
The home side led 1-0 early only to see Hollyburn tie up the game a short time later, but the Midgets kept up the pressure, scoring the final two goals for the win.
Jordan Ware, Justin Brown and Eldon Chernowsky scored the goals.
"It's pretty exciting to accomplish something like this," said head coach Nick Bergnach. "Winning two banners in one year is not done that often. I'm really proud of the whole team."
Bergnach gave special credit to his third line, which proved to be the difference in Saturday's win.
"Eldon was sick and one of our best defenceman was suspended from the week before. The third line stepped up and scored our first two goals," Bergnach said. "That just shows the depth of our team. This team is just a great bunch of boys. We had no individual super stars, but all year long they played as a team. We had really good chemistry; everyone got along well. It's a really special group."
The squad isn't quite done the hockey season yet as they will attend a tournament in Abbotsford during spring break. Midget RepThe Sunshine Coast Midget Rep Blues ended their season on a high last weekend with a 10-0 playoff win against Seafair in Richmond.
"Starting from the opening face-off these young men were not to be denied. You could see the intensity on the faces of the team even before getting ready to change and get on the ice," said media liaison Jac Cawsey. "They wanted to put aside their rather dismal season and end on a high note. As a travelling parent with the team I was never so impressed about such an all- out team effort. Every player contributed in this game."
Dylan Hanna and Sean Blake were both outstanding in net and split the shutout.
"Out past games have been undisciplined, penalty-filled games where it took the spirit out of the team, but not on Sunday," Cawsey said. "Every line that coaches Russ McLeod and Mike Yarrow put out was firing on all cylinders."
The defence of David Moran, Matt Yarrow, Vince Percy and Brad Boyd stood the Richmond players up at the blue line and didn't allow any clean shots on the goalies.
Breaking out of his year- long scoring slump was Jordan Cawsey.
"His play on the ice and in front of the net was the best he has played all year long," said Cawsey. "Every check was a hard, clean one and he opened the ice up for his teammates. Both goals, and a chance for even more, were scored by Jordan being in front of the net and creating havoc for the Richmond defence."
Sunday's game was also the last one for Jordan, Brad Boyd, Stephen Fitchett, Jeff Schwingenschloegl, (who was out with an injury) Derek Inkster, and Caylan Quinn. The boys are all in their last year of minor hockey and they went out with a bang. "This was the best effort I have personally seen all year," added Cawsey.
Stephen Fitchett also chipped in two goals and three assists.
"Congratulations to the Blues and all their fans and parents that were rewarded with the game of the year played by these young men," said Cawsey. "Good luck to the departing players who are moving on in life to new challenges. Good luck to the players that will be returning next year to represent the association in the rep program. There are some wonderful young players remaining on the team and some great young ones coming up. Thanks to the coaches for being there and thanks for all the new friendships that were formed."
Peewee RepOn Saturday the Blues travelled to Hollyburn for the third time this season and once again due to delays with B.C. Ferries, this time for safety drills, there was little time to get to the game and get properly prepared.
The Blues played an uninspired game and were down 4-0 halfway through. The Blues' scoring opened in the second period with Grant Mayers netting one, unassisted. A few minutes later Jack Parker snuck one home with the assist going to Dusty Robinson. The Blues' final goal came in the third period off of the stick of Sara Bradshaw with the helper going to Jack. Hollyburn scored one more goal late in the third period to make the final 5-3 Huskies.
"Unfortunately we never really got going and were caught watching and chasing the play far too often," said coach Brent Parker. "The Hollyburn game was definitely not one of our better efforts this season. It's unfortunate to have to go into someone else's building cold, and have them waiting for you, ready to go."
On Sunday the Blues hosted North Vancouver.
The Blues started strong off of the opening face-off, when Sara and Jack set up Josh Pearl Gray on an effective "dump and chase" deep into the North Vancouver end that resulted in the opening goal.
Less than two minutes later Grant capitalized on a Matt Brown set-up with the other assist going to defenceman Ryan Patton. Not to be outdone, the Blues third goal came on a Jeremy Dempster wrap around, again converting on a well-orchestrated dump in, with the assists going to Reece Nelsen and Brendan Laird.
The North Van (NV) squad replied with their only goal to beat the Blues - a screened shot that went by Blues' goalie Ryley Dempster, before he had an opportunity to see it. The first period was rounded off with a goal from Dusty with assists to Matt and Grant to give the Blues a 4-1 lead at the end of one period.
The second period scoring was started when Grant potted his second of the night with helpers going to Matt and Dusty. Near the end of the second period Grant was tripped up on a near breakaway that resulted in the Blues going on their first power play of the game.
Again Grant was "Johnny on the Spot" and tallied one on the ensuing face-off deep in the NV zone, to complete the hat trick, again with assists going to Matt and Ryan. The third period saw the Blues continue with their offensive onslaught when Brendan notched his first of the night with an assist to Reece. Midway through the period, Sara fired one by the NV keeper with Josh adding the assist. The Blues ninth goal came on a power play when Brendan, after a sweet dangle in the slot through the NV defenceman's legs, ripped a shot that sneaked past the NV keeper. The Blues' final goal of the game came compliments of Josh, again with the assist to Jack, making the final 10-1 Blues.
The Blues' final home game of the season is Sunday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. against Semiahmoo.
