“It was a really good, well organized event. I would have no problem recommending that Clearwater host another championship.”
That was the assessment of BC Hockey representative Bill Greene following the Midget Tier 4 provincial
championships at the Sportsplex last week.
“It was everything BC Hockey wants to see from its provincial championships, and more,” he said.
Greene said the new changing rooms at the Sportsplex were greatly appreciated with the teams.
Not only were the organization and the facilities good, but how the community’s hotels, motels, restaurants and residents treated the visiting teams was outstanding as well, he said.
“The hospitality was second to none,” the BC Hockey rep said. “It usually is, in small communities, but this was exceptional.”
Burns Lake Bruins won the provincial championships, defeating Kelowna Rockets in the final game 6 – 0 on Wednesday evening, March 19.
The Rockets had earlier held the Bruins to a 1 – 1 tie in the round-robin portion of the tournament but were unable to hold them in the final. Otherwise, the Bruins had nothing but lop-sided wins during the provincials.
Ice Hawks take fourth
Although they weren’t in the final game, Clearwater Ice Hawks did well at the championships, with two wins, two losses and a tie. Overall, they placed fourth.
The Hawks played the first game of the tournament on Sunday afternoon, March 16, against the Bruins. They had a difficult time with the eventual championship winners, losing 12 – 4. Clearwater coach Orlynn Braaten described the Bruins as a very good and a very disciplined team.
The local squad came back that evening, however, to defeat the Surrey Storm 3 – 2. Braaten described it as a tough game but the team pulled it together to win.
Monday evening they faced off against the Kelowna Rockets, their longtime rivals. The Rockets had beaten the Hawks a few weeks earlier to win the league championship. The Clearwater squad got some revenge by holding the Rockets to a 5 – 5 tie.
“This game was one of the better games of the tourney as we have been beaten by this team all season and we were able to get the tie,” said the Clearwater coach. “Austin Rauch was able to grab a hat trick for this game.”
On Tuesday Clearwater took on the Ridge Meadows Rustlers and won 2 – 1.
“This game was a tough battle,” Braaten commented. “We had a bit of a scattered game but were able to pull the win off.”
The Ice Hawks’ last game of the tournament was on Wednesday afternoon against the Chetwynd Giants. It was a good, close game but the score ended up 5 – 4 for the Giants.
This was the last minor hockey game for eight of the Ice Hawks players as they age out and aren’t allowed to continue. Braaten said that the tournament was a good experience for everyone involved. He felt the players were great ambassadors of Clearwater.
Coordinator says thanks
“What a successful BC Hockey Midget Provincials!” said District of Clearwater sports coordinator Melody Romeo. “Clearwater rolled out the red carpet and our guests were impressed!”
“The volunteers were sensational,” Romeo said. “The lead tournament coordinators were efficient and no detail was missed. Our hotels and restaurants did a terrific job of accommodating the guests and, of course, nothing would have been the same without a home team that can fill an arena! The stands were packed and the cheers were thunderous.”
The sports coordinator said that the parents and players would like to thank the many sponsors without whom the tournament could not be possible.
She gave special thanks to town councillor Ken Kjenstad for his leadership. She added that the staff and crew at the arena pulled out all the stops and that the other teams were envious of our arena and, of course, the concession.
“Our town, team and community can all be proud. It was a fabulous week had by all!” Romeo said.
For more hockey photos, see page A12 inside.