The Mazda PeeWee Chiefs have had a busy few weeks of hockey characterized by good play but mixed results.
On Dec. 1 the Chiefs hosted Nanaimo, who trailed the third-place Chiefs by a point entering the game. It was a close-fought contest, with both teams checking closely and limiting the scoring opportunities.
The Chiefs were trailing 3-2 with only a few minutes to play when the Nanaimo squad potted an empty net goal to go up 4-2, then scored again on the disheartened Chiefs with their next possession to make the final score appear more lopsided than it was.
The following weekend, the Chiefs travelled to Victoria to take on the second-place Juan de Fuca Grizzlies. Having lost 6-1 in their initial meeting earlier in the season, the Chiefs played an inspired game and clawed their way to an impressive 4-4 tie against the strong Juan de Fuca team.
Carter Woods potted the game-tying goal on a great back-door pass from Gabe Schovanek with the Chiefs goaltender pulled for the extra attacker.
The team returned home for a Sunday afternoon game against Victoria Racquet Club, and while the effort was there the undermanned Chiefs, who were short two skaters due to injury, didn't have the legs or puck luck to pull out a victory. Trailing 2-1 in the final minutes, the Chiefs pulled their goalie again, however, this time it resulted in empty net goal against and a 3-1 loss.
On Dec. 15 the Chiefs hosted the vaunted Cowichan Valley Capitals, who have an undefeated record in league play this year. The Cowichan team plays a well-structured puck possession game and had the Chiefs on their heels most of the contest.
The Chiefs again were playing two players short of a full bench, and though they started the game well, were unable to hold back the Capitals efficient powerplay and offensive attack, losing 8-1.
At the three-quarter mark of the league season, the Chiefs find themselves in fifth place in the seven-team Div. 1. However, they trail fourth-place Racquet Club by only a single point.
With three games remaining in their league schedule, two of which are against teams they have already beaten, the Chiefs have a good shot at finishing fourth, or even catching Nanaimo for third place if they can go on a winning streak to finish the season.
Over the holidays, the Chiefs will enjoy a well-deserved weekend off before travelling to North Delta for a tournament just prior to New Year's. They will be returning to league play on Jan. 10.
The players and coaches thank all those who supported our fundraising efforts and purchased either raffle tickets or a hot dog at our recent fundraising event at Driftwood Mall. We were able to sell all of the tickets and the raffle prize draw has now been completed and winning ticket holders have been notified. Thanks to Quality Foods and Target for donating supplies to help with the hot dog sale.
– Mazda PeeWee Chiefs