They needed overtime, but the Warriors are champions of Valley Ball Hockey Association’s pup division after defeating the Valley Stars 2-1.
The game was one of six VBHA division finals played at the George Preston Recreation Centre on Saturday (June 14), with the winners extending their season by advancing to their respective provincial championships.
The Warriors were up against a tough foe in the Stars, who were unbeaten in the playoff round and held an impressive 17 goals for compared to just four goals against.
The Warriors had gone unbeaten during the regular season but lost to the Snipers 8-3 in the playoff round. Given another shot against the same team two days later in the semifinals, the Warriors booked a ticket in the finals with a 4-3 win.
“We learned our lesson and knew we had to come up with something new,” said coach Craig McDougall.
“The boys worked so hard to earn this opportunity. The games were getting tighter and tighter as every team got stronger as the season went on,” said assistant coach Dwayne Ostheidt. “I am so impressed with how quickly our team came together and how committed each player is to each other.”
Many of the players — and coaches — were in the first year of ball hockey.
“To have a great set of kids to work with is one thing, but making it to provincials is the icing on the cupcake,” said McDougall.
Peanut (U8) — Flaming Hawks 5 Bolts 2
Peewee (U12) — Outlaws 2 Dark Snipers 1
Minor (U14) — The Orange Team 3 Boarderjumpers 1
Major (U16) — All Blacks 3 Kings 1
Junior (U19) — Express 5 Wayne’s World 4
•••
The Flaming Hawks, Warriors, Outlaws and The Orange Team will compete at the provincial championships in Victoria June 20 to June 22.
The All Blacks and Express will compete at provincials in Ridge Meadows June 27 to June 29.
Alyssa O'Dell/Langley Times
Members of the Warriors pup (U10) team celebrate a hard-earned goal during the championship game of the Valley Ball Hockey Association league finals on Saturday at George Preston Recreation Centre. The Warriors captured the title with a 2-1 victory over the Valley Stars. The win advances the Warriors to the provincial championships this weekend in Victoria.
