Another successful season is in the books for the Sunshine Coast Adult Hockey League (SCAHL)! After battling tooth and nail all season for the top spot, the Sunshine Coast Hawks faced off against the West Coast Bruins in the league championship final at the GACC. Fans poured into the arena, and within moments, the atmosphere was electric.
These two teams have gone head-to-head for multiple seasons, competing for the highest seed in the SCAHL. The Hawks have dominated the league for the past eight years, and after an almost perfect season, they were looking to claim another championship. But the Bruins had other plans, and they put on a show to remember.
The game started with intensity, and just a minute and a half in, the Hawks struck first. Josh Gray buried a shot deep in the net off a perfect setup from Marc Chabot. From the drop of the puck, both teams brought everything they had, with physicality at an all-time high. Referee Brison Geue called a fair and balanced game, keeping infractions under six per team — “Let the boys play” was definitely the motto on this cold and rainy Saturday night in the barn.
Tyler Nestman added to the Hawks’ lead, tipping in a slick pass from none other than Dave McLennan, who played his heart out all season and was rewarded with an assist on the second goal of the night.
But the Bruins weren’t going down without a fight. In the second period, Graydon Benner found the back of the net, capitalizing on a feed from none other than Gilbert Brulé with 7:20 left in the frame. A beautiful tip snuck past goaltender Dylan Hanna, cutting the Hawks’ lead to 2-1. The Bruins kept the pressure on, and #3 Braeden Cross sniped one bar-down, assisted by Brulé and Brandon Kohuch, tying the game heading into the third period.
The Hawks, confident and aiming for their ninth straight title, came out strong in the final frame. But the Bruins had other plans. With 15:30 remaining, the crowd erupted as #3 Braeden Cross scored again, this time off a setup from Graydon Benner, giving the Bruins a 3-2 lead. Cross’s fan club was on the glass, cheering wildly for their idol and mentor.
Despite firing numerous shots on net, the Hawks couldn’t find the equalizer. Then, with 5:45 left to play, Gilbert Brulé sealed the victory with the game-winning goal off another assist from Benner, who finished the night with three points.
With the Hawks’ net empty and an extra attacker on the ice, they pressed hard but couldn’t break through. As the final buzzer sounded, the West Coast Bruins celebrated their first championship in eight seasons with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the defending champs. The crowd leapt to their feet, cheering as Bruins captain Tyler Graham lifted the trophy.
A huge thank you to the officials, scorekeepers, and team managers for their hard work this season. Thanks to the Sevens, Hitmen, Batch44 Kings and the 101 Fallers for a great season. If you are interested in playing competitive men’s hockey, please email us at [email protected]. Men’s hockey returns to the Sunshine Coast in September —see you then!
