The Midget Rep Blues failed to qualify for the provincials last weekend in Aldergrove - but it wasn't for lack of heart or effort.
The Blues lost two, one-goal games against higher-ranked teams. Being racked with injuries and a shorter bench proved to be the final nail in the coffin for the Blues, who had an exceptional season, losing only six games all year.
The Blues lost 3-2 to Aldergrove and 5-4 to Seafair at the final four tournament.
"Aldergrove was the top team in the Lower Mainland this year. They beat everyone. For our guys to play that hard and compete with them shows what type of team we had this year," said coach Mark Holm. "The guys played their butts off."
Seafair was also ranked higher than the Blues. The Blues had the lead in that game, which makes the end result an even bigger pill to swallow for the Blues' players, coaches and parents.
"It was disappointing because I feel we outplayed Seafair and deserved a better fate," Holm said. "We had a lot of injuries. We were down to three lines and four defence. I think in the end, the guys just ran out of gas. I'm very proud of our whole team. They played hard all year long. I told them after the game that it would be tough to forget the loss, but that they should be proud of the season and how well they played."
Holm said he wanted to give thanks to his coaches Dale Benner and Darren Kohuch, manager Kim Cote and all the parents and fans who supported the team, both at home and on the road, including last weekend in Aldergrove.
"I'm very proud of our players and coaching staff for putting together one of the better assembled teams I've ever been associated with in 16 years of minor hockey," added Cote.
PeeweeThe playoffs continued last weekend for the Peewee Rep Blues.
On Saturday, the Blues travelled to Kerrisdale for a match-up with the Vancouver T-Birds.
The game was a tight checking affair, with good end-to-end play. The Blues jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a Darryl Julius marker with assists to Braedon Cross and Josh Macey.
Goalie Jane Goddard kept the Blues in the game, but Vancouver scored late in the second and early in the third to pick up a 2-1 win.
Brad Kohuch played very well for the Blues, supplying lots of energy.
On Sunday, the Blues played to an entertaining 1-1 tie with North Shore Winter Club (NSWC) at the Sunshine Coast Arena.
Kyle Horsman scored for the Blues with Brad and Josh picking up the assists.
Goalie Scott Legault made a number of huge saves to keep the Blues in the game.
The Blues ran into penalty trouble late in the game and it cost them, as NSWC tied the game with only seconds left.
