Varsity victories

Shawnigan's Varsity hockey team is on an extraordinary run.

The squad has won 11 straight games, amassing an impressive 22-4-2 record with just two weeks to go until the playoffs begin.

"It's been a really successful year for all of us," says team captain Koltin K., who includes strong showings at showcases and tournaments among the team's achievements. "It's been a good uphill slope the whole year. We've battled through adversity with injuries and guys missing. We've blended and come together as a team."

According to Koltin, team chemistry has been the magic ingredient behind the success. "We've been working really well as a squad," he says. "We've been mingling together off ice a lot, and I think we've really come together as a group. A big key to our success has been figuring out how to work together."

Koltin also credits the team's coaching staff of James Pollock and James Gaertner, not just for their tactical approaches, but also for being easy to get along with. "They're always pushing us to be better, but they're also really approachable," Koltin insists, "and that's important."

It was a Shawnigan team that won the CSSHL's Varsity Division last year – in the School's inaugural hockey season. However, most of that group has now moved up to the Prep Division, leaving Koltin and his teammates to defend a title they didn't win. Still, Koltin embraces the role of defending champ, knowing the extra motivation it has brought. "Putting up a second banner in our second year in the league," he grins, "…that would be awesome."

Of course, despite a remarkable record and lengthy winning streak, Shawnigan remains in second place in the division, one point behind a Pursuit of Excellence team boasting an identical 11-game tear. "They are definitely our main rivals," Koltin admits. "Our games against them have been solid games and really exciting." He adds, "We're really looking forward to hopefully playing them in the finals."

– Jon Zacks

(file photo)