The Courtenay Mazda PeeWee T1 Chiefs have had a busy couple of weeks. Following successful fundraising events (Burger and a Beer at the Prime Chophouse and hot dog barbecue at Brian McLean Chevrolet), the team played four games over the past two weekends.
The Chiefs started out with a well-played, full-game effort in a 6-3 win over the Peninsula Eagles on Sept. 28 followed by a 3-3 tie against Saanich Braves the next day. The team played more consistently in the second half of both road games, an area they were intent on improving. Balanced scoring, solid goaltending and improved defensive zone coverage were key to the good results.
This past weekend the Chiefs travelled to Victoria on Saturday to play Racquet Club. After an excellent two periods of play that saw the Chiefs build a 3-0 lead, a series of turnovers and untimely penalties over a 10-minute span saw the Chiefs suddenly trailing 5-3 in the third period.
The Chiefs rallied back, however, and a power move by forward Logan Nijhoff brought the Chiefs within a goal. With just minutes left in the game, the Chiefs were awarded a penalty shot following a goal-mouth scramble, and Nijhoff converted on that opportunity as well, giving the Chiefs an exciting come-from-behind 5-5 tie.
On Sunday, the Chiefs returned home to face their rivals from Campbell River. The Chiefs played hard against a fast and physical Campbell River squad, but came out on the wrong end of a 5-3 score. While the Chiefs did score two short-handed goals, untimely penalties and missed defensive assignments played a part in the result.
Tiering games are now concluded for the PeeWee team and they are awaiting a decision on placement for league play. Meanwhile, the Chiefs will play in a tournament in Abbotsford over Thanksgiving weekend.
ICE CHIPS A big thank you to Courtenay Mazda, the Prime Chophouse, Brian McLean Chevrolet and other local businesses for stepping up and supporting the PeeWee Tier 1 Chiefs ...
– Courtenay Mazda PeeWee T1 Chiefs