After a tough first two games, the Midget Rep Blues finished on a positive note, beating host Dawson Creek 2-1 to close out the Tier 3 provincial championships Tuesday night.
Goals by Jared Bothwell and Terrance Josephson paced the Blues to the win as they finished with a 1-2 record and out of the medal round. Only the top four teams at the eight-team advanced to the medal round games, which were played on Wednesday.
“A very solid and well-played game by both teams,” said head coach Brian McAllister. “We carried the play and had most of the possession and territory advantage. It was a great experience for all and the future looks bright for this young team.”
The Blues started the tournament on Sunday with a 7-1 setback against Quesnel.
Quesnel dominated from start to finish, opening up a 2-0 lead after one, a single in the second and four more in the third before Nevan Flay broke the shutout with four minutes to go. Justin Fodchuk and Riley Cousins picked up the assists.
Game two Monday afternoon was against a familiar foe in Coquitlam, whom the Blues beat two weeks ago for the playoff banner.
This was a much better game from the Blues, who battled back from an early 2-0 and 5-1 deficit to cut the game to 5-3 after 40 minutes.
Caymen Froude and Justin Fodchuk each scored a pair of goals with assists going to Lucas Patton, Nevan Flay, Connar Peers, Cameron McAllister and Brendan Gray.
“It was a tough first couple of games against older, bigger and faster competition,” McAllister said. “We are a younger, smaller team with a huge amount of try. Not to make that an excuse, it’s just the fact. Our boys have been great sportsmen and have held their heads and spirits high while being great ambassadors for the Sunshine Coast. Thanks for all the support from the great people back home. They can be very proud of these boys regardless of the game results.”
