You can bet the Red 21 Grinders enjoyed themselves at this year's Comox Cup Road Hockey Tournament.
The Courtenay crew defeated Comox Meat 6-5 Sunday afternoon at Marina Park in Comox to win the A Division championship, with Liam Higgins earning his fourth straight MVP Goalie award.
"They had beat us twice during the weekend, but we beat them when it counted," said Kolyn Carlson, who hoisted the coveted cup in his first year as team captain. Carlson noted the team has been in contention for top honours the last couple of years. He thanked Red 21 for their sponsorship.
Aero Art Spartans defeated Road Kill (with ex-NHLer Ty Wishart in the lineup) 4-3 to win the B Division championship in a lively game. Road Kill appeared to have netted a late equalizer but the goal was disallowed as it was ruled a slapshot. Bluewin Jets knocked off Classic Meats 9-2 to claim C Division honours.
Sixteen teams took part in the 19th annual Comox Cup: three in A, five in B and eight in C. The tourney ran Friday through Sunday, with many spectators enjoying the action from the beer garden with cool beverages served up the Rink Minx roller derby team.
"We would also like to thank our generous sponsors," said Caleigh Ellis, recreation programmer for Comox Recreation, which puts on the event. "If it weren’t for them this event wouldn’t be possible: Slegg Lumber, Happy’s Source for Sports, Quality Goods, Water Pure and Simple, the Comox Valley Record and 98.9 Jet FM."