Summer in the Valley proved to be a very good one despite the late start. The Courtenay Whalers women's hockey team had their season opener over the weekend and like summer, they were a little slow getting going.
The Whalers took to the ice for their first game hosting their much loved crosstown rivals the Comox Breakers. Within only a few minutes of the drop of the puck, the Whalers were down 2-0, with some Whalers stretching as if still in warm-up.
The Breakers took it to them, moving the puck quickly and leaving them with a puzzled look on their face. Even the referee commented by asking, "This must be your first game of the season?" "Yes, of course...not sure we look any different midway through the year but oh well..."
Fortunately, the Whalers never give up and they kept to their game plan into the second period, without losing hope. The home team has quite a few new faces in the lineup and most players are still getting to know each other's name. Little by little, passes started to connect, positions became more clear, shots were blocked, more shots were taken and finally quite a few goals were scored.
Bababing badaboom – and by the 12th minute in the third period the Whalers had a 4-2 lead. Goals came from Josée Bureau, Haley Fraser, Kelly "Momar" Roloff and Lindsay Neufeld. Then the Whalers went back to their holiday mode and allowed the Breakers to come back with two quick and spectacular goals to tie it up 4-4.
All in all, beside a badly sprained wrist, nasty bruised ribs and an ugly ankle bruise, the Whalers left the ice pretty satisfied with the result. So it was the first game of the season and it wasn't always pretty but playing hockey with a great bunch of ladies is always a treat.
If you are interested in learning this new game of hockey or have some experience and are considering lacing up again, contact the Whalers at cvwhalershockey@gmail.com. There is always room for new faces!
– Courtenay Whalers