Hockey Firsts
The 19th Ross Cup & the 1st Robertson Winter Classic
Shawnigan's hockey program has enjoyed an exciting week of firsts.
On Wednesday, the entire school packed into the Charlie Purdey Arena for the inaugural Robertson Winter Classic.
Conceived as a surprise tribute to Mr. David Robertson in his final year as Headmaster, the event saw Shawnigan's Midget Prep squad wearing unique uniforms that included jerseys reminiscent of the Heriot's Rugby Club (for whom Robertson played in Scotland) and pant shells bearing the authentic Robertson Tartan.
The contest proved to be a thriller. Josh V. and Ethan H. scored twice apiece and Jojo T. contributed four assists as Shawnigan earned a 4-3 victory over Pacific Coast Hockey Academy's Midget Prep team in the final home game of the regular season.
Shawnigan's recreational players also enjoyed their biggest weekend of the season, competing in the 19th annual Ross Cup. Created as a tournament for local high school teams, the event took a leap forward this year with the addition of a girls division, hosted at Shawnigan's Charlie Purdey Arena.
With Shawnigan and Brentwood College School both growing new recreational girls programs, the two schools joined forces to create a combined 'Shawood' team. "There was tremendous value in getting these kids on the ice, in the positive blend between the two schools, and in being able to use the Charlie Purdey arena for such a worthwhile event," shares rec hockey coach Ralph Fraser.
Shawood ultimately claimed a bronze medal, while a handful of Shawnigan's Girls Prep players were seeded amongst other teams, allowing them to provide some ambassadorship for the School's girls hockey program.
On the boys side, Shawnigan suffered two close losses, including a 4-3 nail-biter against St. George's, and earned a tie against Cowichan. Ultimately, the boys missed out on a playoff game on a tiebreaker. Coach Fraser pointed to Dillon J. as a standout for Shawnigan, while goaltender Daniel E. impressed in the annual All-star Skills Competition.
Finally, the Shawnigan Bantam Prep team returned from a trip to Vancouver grinning, after facing Delta Hockey Academy's 'Green' team at Rogers Arena, home to the Vancouver Canucks. Despite having fewer than the Canucks' average of 18,000 fans, the players loved the experience, noting just how hot it was to play inside a professional stadium.
Shawnigan's competitive teams are now close to concluding the CSSHL regular season, with league playoffs set to begin March 9 in Penticton.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
