In an exciting overtime final, Happy’s Midget AAA Chiefs captured first place at a minor hockey tournament in Duncan over the holidays.
The first game was against Alaska (who they had previously played in their Christmas Tournament). Alaska came prepared and ended up edging out the Chiefs 6-4. The wing set of Jed Martin and Jordon Crisp combined for all four Chief goals: Martin netting the first two and line mate Crisp potting the second two.
By the time the second game came around the Chiefs had regrouped and handed a strong team from Saanich a 5-3 loss. Alex Mullan had a pair to get things started and Bob Jolley, Brook Trainor and Adam Norman each had one of their own. Kolby Koschack had a strong game, serving up a hat trick of assists.
The Chiefs’ third game was against a weaker Kerry Park team who went down 11-1 as the Chiefs absolutely swarmed them. The points are too numerous to list but Myles Powell and Kye Kendall each had a hat trick. Garret Halls was strong on defence and helped the offence with four assists. Martin added two goals and an assist while Trainor had a goal and three helpers.
“This was truly a team effort with lots of contribution from everyone, which showed up on the score sheet as everyone on the team got at least one point,” a team spokesperson noted.
The Chiefs’ next game was against Burnaby to advance to the final, which they did with an exciting 5-3 win. Halls got things started with a nice move off the blue line around a Burnaby forward. Kevin Morgan had a goal and an assist and Kolby and Myles finished off the scoring.
The final game was a barn burner as the Chiefs once again came up against a strong team from Alaska. This time however the Chiefs were ready for them.
There was never more than a one-goal lead throughout the game and at the end of three these two rivals were tied at three.
Declan Garrood opened the scoring for the Chiefs followed by Bob Jolley and Martin. Just 40 second into the five-minute 3-on-3 overtime period the Alaska team was forced to haul down Powell who was streaking in all alone on the netminder.
“The following game-winning penalty shot was something for a highlight reel rather than print media, but rumour has it that the Alaska goaltender is still looking for his clothes,” the team spokesperson said.
There was solid netminding from both Josh Machan and the Chiefs’ newest addition, Mat Bowell, who made his debut in this tournament and has now found himself a regular spot on the team.
Coming off their first tournament win of the season, the Chiefs travel to Port Alberni on Saturday before hosting Saanich on Sunday, Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. at Sports Centre Arena No. 1.
“This should be an exciting game, as Saanich will be looking to avenge their tournament loss, so please come out and cheer on your Happy’s Midget AAA Chiefs this Sunday,” the team spokesperson added.