Happy's Source for Sports Midget Tier 1 Chiefs started the new year off with a bang, a lot of goals and a spot in the finals of the 2015 Cowichan Valley Capitals New Year's Classic Tournament Jan. 2-5.
The Chiefs rolled through round robin play undefeated, taking on the likes of the Cowichan Valley Capitals, Pacific Coast Hockey Academy (who they dominated with a 9-2 win) and the Shawnigan Lake School varsity team. Scoring 16 goals and giving up only five, they earned their first place spot in the semis against the fourth-place Capitals. An 8-5 victory later and they were off to the gold medal game.
The Chiefs faced a strong and rested Shawnigan Lake team and fell behind 3-0 only eight minutes into the first period. The team battled back but was unable to overcome their sluggish start and dropped a hard-fought 4-3 decision.
Despite illness and injuries, and perhaps a little too much holiday turkey, the Chiefs had some outstanding play: a highlight hat trick by Joe Surgenor, Alex Wilford's multiple goals top shelf, and the MVP multi-point games from the likes of Bekkam Willis and Kolby Antonelli.
The Midget Chiefs jump right back into their hotly contested race for the Midget Tier 1 banner on Saturday when they host Nanaimo in a 4:45 p.m. start at Sports Centre #1.
Currently tied with Juan de Fuca (6-1-4) for top spot, the Chiefs (7-2-2) control their fate. Look for the strong play to continue as the team works hard, gearing up for some great competition as they prepare to host the Midget Tier 1 Provincial Championships March 15-19.
"With the best Midget Tier 1 teams in B.C. coming to town, these championships are guaranteed to be exciting," a team spokesperson said.
"We welcome one and all to come out and support the Chiefs in their fundraising efforts for the Provincials. We will be holding a Burger and Beer fundraiser Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Prime Chop House and Wine Bar restaurant. There will be some fantastic items up for auction, great food, good friends and entertainment.
"The Chiefs appreciate and thank their coaches Gord Lennox and Jess Sekulich, manager Jody Lennox, safety person Derek Luty and sponsor Tim Macdonald of Happy's Source for Sports. Without them, none of this for our kids and our community would be possible."
– Happy's Source for Sports Midget Tier 1 Chiefs