Clearwater hosted a successful three-day Midget hockey tournament this past weekend.
The local Ice Hawks placed third, defeating Winfield in the B-event final.
First place went to West Kelowna, which beat Prince George in the A.
In the C-event, 100 Mile House defeated Fort St. John.
“The tournament was quite physical,” reported Clearwater coach Tim Walker. “The boys are bruised and battered.”
Clearwater tied game one against Winfield.
“I felt we didn't play 100 per cent effort in that game until the last five minutes. I think the outcome would have been different had we tried harder for the full 60 minutes,” Walker said.
In their second game the Ice Hawks beat Fort St. John 8-2.
“Fort St. John was smaller and less skilled than the other teams,” the Clearwater coach commented. “It was a good game for our third line players to get more ice time and I think they did very well.”
Game three Clearwater faced Prince George, which Walker felt was the strongest team, even though West Kelowna won the tournament.
“We were able to play our game in the first period, outplayed them yet they came out ahead with two goals early in the game,” the Clearwater coach said. “After this we got into penalty trouble (which has been our biggest problem all year long) and they stretched their lead to 4-0.”
In the second period Clearwater got back into the game and started a come back 5-3, but again got into penalties and the game slipped away.
“We lost 7-3 and with that loss could not qualify for the first place finals,” Walker said.
Clearwater's final game was against Winfield again for third place.
“We played well for 60 minutes and beat them 5-3 to take the third place trophy,” Walker said.
Ken Kjenstad, who is in charge of Clearwater's referee program this year, expressed his appreciation to all those who volunteered, including the 50/50 sellers, scorekeepers, and raffle table volunteers.
Kjenstad gave special thanks to the six referees who officiated during the weekend: Roger Mayer, Kelvin Arndt, Sheldon Musselman, Ole Kjenstad, Orlynn Braaten and Russell Dana.
“All were complimented on the quality of their work by coaches and spectators,” he said.
“Clearwater Minor Hockey was complimented on our tournament quality and the condition and cleanliness of our Sportsplex and concession,” Kjenstad added.
Clearwater Ice Hawks will host the Midget Tier 4 Provincial championship the week of March 15.
Left: Ice Hawk #4 Justin Sutherland takes the puck up the ice as #16 Levi Walker backs him up.