Weekend hockey update

Shawnigan hockey teams ventured to exciting locales this weekend. With teams in New York State and Michigan, the School continues to broaden the outlook of our young athletes.

 

 

The team departed Shawnigan at 3 a.m., flying from Victoria to Toronto to Montreal before picking up rental vans and hitting the road south.

5 a.m. wake up. Checked out and hit Dunkin' Donuts for a quick snack. Dominated the game! Hit five posts but somehow we narrowly lost 3-2 against the Islanders from Massachusetts. Had plenty of time before we could check in to our new hotel so we went to the other venue to watch a few teams that we would be playing on Day 3. We also got some homework done in the hotel lobby while waiting for our rooms.  After checking in, we headed to Smoke Signals, a BBQ joint that turned out to be phenomenal. Following dinner we attended the World Cup Freestyle Ski Jumping Finals — a very cool experience for all. It was -20 degrees all day!

Our morning game was much similar to our first game — domination followed by disappointment, in a 5-3 loss to the Mercer Chiefs from New Jersey. After grabbing some lunch the boys were starting to feel tired and down.  We headed back to the hotel for a good rest before game three. The contest was against St. Lawrence Thunder on an Olympic-sized ice surface — a different style of hockey for sure! It was a very even game and we were down 1-0 for the majority. We stuck with it, encouraged each other and managed to tie it up and then get the winning goal with about 1:30 left on the clock. A huge confidence booster for our group.  

With a few more bounces in the first two games, we could have been playing in the semifinals. Unfortunately, we were playing the 5/6 game against John Rennie High School from Quebec. This game was played on the same "Miracle on Ice" rink where Team USA defeated Russia for the Olympic gold medal in 1980. It was no miracle, but Shawnigan battled hard and won the game 4-2.  

Overcoming adversities, sticking with game plans and learning to be leaders made this a successful hockey weekend for us! After the game, the guys had some free time. I used this time to try speed skating (much more difficult than it looks, but very rewarding once you get going!) Our group also headed back to Smoke Signals for some great wings and burgers.

Another travel day, featuring a beautiful drive in the daylight through the Adirondacks back to Montreal.

— Submitted by Coach J. Pollock

 

The Varsity Gold squad travelled to Delta for a pair of regular season matchups against the Delta Hockey Academy. Shawnigan dropped both matchups, falling 5-1 on Saturday and 5-0 on Sunday.

 

The Bantam Prep team had a great experience travelling to Port Huron, Mich. to compete in the prestigious Silver Stick International Hockey Tournament. 

The competition was some of the best in North America and we faced off against the Mississauga Rebels, Detroit Little Caesers, Barrie Colts and Brantford 99ers (from hometown of Wayne Gretzky).

The tournament was well organized, had great officiating and sportsmanship from all teams. The Shawnigan Bantam squad received several compliments with how well the team behaved in restaurants and the team hotel, as well as their first-class look when entering the hockey arena.

— Submitted by Coach B. Passmore

 

The girls hosted a Bantam Tier 1 girls team from the Lower Mainland on Saturrday. The Shawnigan players showed their guests around the School and then hosted a scrimmage in the Charlie Purdey Arena.

 

The Rec team opened the competitive season with a convincing victory over Brentwood. The Rec squad faces Brentwood and Frances Kelsey Secondary numerous times over the season, building up to the annual Ross Cup Tournament in late February.