The Hyland Ready Mix Whiteheads bantam hockey team took top spot at the recent Gold River tournament.
In Game 1 they beat Port Hardy quite handily. Game 2 against Campbell River ended in a 6-6 tie after the Whiteheads led 6-3. Game 3 was a well-earned 9-6 win over Gold River.
This was a huge team effort as Dustin Shilton, who had a great tournament, had to leave the game when the Comox Valley team were behind. A penalty shot goal by Ben Gastis and another top shelf tally by Gastis got the team going. Great team play and a hat trick by Alex Haddon brought the team to victory.
The semifinal against Comox Millionaires was a fast, exciting game that ended 4-3 for the Whiteheads. The final was again against Gold River, but this time the Whiteheads’ passing, team play and hustle were too much for the opponents, bringing a 10-1 victory.
Everyone’s efforts should be noted: Liam Creek, a peewee goalie subbing for injured Daniel Cattell, was very solid. On defence Noah Moise, Dustin Shilton, Mike Naso and Haydon Nichol all played well, making huge plays.
There was great passing by teammates Matt Super and Cam Knox, huge playmaking and defensive efforts by centres Jake Heselgrave and Liam Moise, and timely goal scoring by Gastis and Haddon. Alex Dunn made huge contributions with goals and unbelievable stick handling as he played every position but net throughout the tournament.