Defence wins championships, and for the Lockout All-Stars, that championship-winning defence begins with having the biggest and best goaltender in the league.
The All-Stars have captured their second championship in the Comox Valley Sports & Social Club's floor hockey league, riding the broad shoulders of goalie David Adama to an 8-4 win over the rival EDS Trashers in the final. Adama pitched the first full-game shutout in 11 seasons of the generally high-scoring league during an 8-0 semifinal victory over Shut Your 5-Hole, then followed up with another stellar performance when it mattered most.
The Trashers posted a great run of chances early only to get stuffed at the goalmouth, allowing the All-Stars' opportunistic offence to build a lead the team wouldn't relinquish. When the Trashers started to show signs of tiring, speedsters like Braedon Martin, Adrian Niederberger and Jack Surgenor pushed the pace and built a sizeable lead.
The two teams, both 7-0-1 heading into the final, tied 5-5 in their regular season meeting.
The Dekes of Hazzard took third place with a 12-10 win over Shut Your 5-Hole in a back-and-forth affair, while the Flying Squirrels won 15-14 over the Jets to take fifth place in their first season in the league. No Regretzkies finished in seventh with a 14-8 win over Puck Hunt, and the Puck Offs notched a 16-6 victory over U Puck on Me? to finish ninth overall.
Registration is now open for the CVSSC's spring sports leagues, including flag football, slo-pitch, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, beach volleyball, indoor volleyball and kickball. Individuals, small groups and teams can all register online or find out more about the leagues at www.comoxvalleysports.ca, or ask any questions by contacting Scott at 250-898-7286 or scott@comoxvalleysports.ca.
– Comox Valley Sports & Social Club