Kitimat’s U13 and U15 Winterhawks hockey teams have clinched their respective Tier 4 Provincial Championships, dominating tournaments in Quesnel and Revelstoke with undefeated play March 17 to 20.
U15 Winterhawks’ Path to Provincial Championship
The U15 Winterhawks’ pursuit of the Tier 4 Provincial Championship commenced with a commanding 16-3 victory over the Kimberley Nitros. This game set the tone for their tournament run, featuring goals from ten different players, highlighting the team’s offensive depth. Captain Lakin Mailloux led with a hat trick, while Kaleb Calkins, Levi Hewitson, Bryce Livingston, and Kingston Hanson each added two goals. Ethan Fairbrother and Ryan McKenzie shared goaltending duties, each playing a part in the win.
In their subsequent game against the Vanderhoof Bears, the Winterhawks faced a more balanced contest. The match remained scoreless initially, with both teams exchanging power plays and chances. Kitimat eventually broke through, with Kaleb Calkins scoring the opening goal. Despite an equalizer from Dally Corbiere, Joshua Gray and Braxton Sevigny scored, securing a 6-2 victory for Kitimat. This game was notable for its strategic depth, with Kitimat effectively navigating power plays and penalty kills.
The U15s continued their dominance with victories over the Dawson Creek Canucks and Creston Valley Bruins, with scores of 9-3 and 7-1, respectively. Against Dawson Creek, Kaleb Calkins stood out with a four-goal performance, supported by Miles Besler’s two goals. Ryan McKenzie, in goal, earned his first tournament victory. The game against Creston Valley further underscored the team’s offensive prowess, with six different scorers contributing to the win.
Their final round-robin match against the Langley Eagles resulted in a 9-1 win, ensuring their place in the championship game. The Winterhawks showcased their scoring distribution once again, with eight different players finding the net. This victory highlighted their balanced attack and solid defense, setting them up for the championship match.
In the championship game, the U15 Winterhawks secured the provincial title with a 7-4 victory over the Vanderhoof Bears. The win was a culmination of their tournament-long effort, demonstrating their scoring depth and resilience. The victory solidified their status as Tier 4 U15 Provincial Champions, concluding their tournament with a perfect record and a commanding goal differential.
U13 Winterhawks’ Championship Journey
The U13 Winterhawks opened their defence of the Tier 4 Provincial Championship with a 5-0 win against the Merritt Centennials. The victory was marked by Jakob De Beurs’s shutout performance in goal and a balanced scoring effort from the team. Jonah Lopes and Damek Galbavy were among the goal scorers, setting the stage for the team’s tournament campaign.
Their next challenge came against the Elk Valley Raiders, where they overcame an early deficit to secure a 6-2 win. Tristan Levesque Mera’s hat trick was pivotal, demonstrating the team’s ability to respond to adversity. This game also showcased the Winterhawks’ effective special teams play, with crucial power play goals contributing to the victory.
Continuing their unbeaten run, the U13s defeated the Langley Eagles 7-1, with a standout performance by Tristan Levesque Mera, who added four goals to his tournament tally. The team’s defensive unit, led by goaltender Jakob De Beurs, played a crucial role in limiting the Eagles’ scoring opportunities.
The semi-final match against Revelstoke was a rematch of the previous year’s championship game, with the Winterhawks emerging victorious once again. The 5-0 win was highlighted by another strong performance from De Beurs in goal and a hat trick from Tristan Levesque Mera, showcasing the team’s depth and strategic execution.
In the championship game, the U13 Winterhawks faced the Nelson Leafs, securing an 8-3 victory to reclaim their provincial title. The win was a testament to the team’s offensive firepower and cohesive play throughout the tournament. This victory concluded their campaign, reaffirming their status as Tier 4 U13 Provincial Champions.
- All game results provided by the Kitimat Minor Hockey Association
