The Sunshine Coast Blues were dominating the Midget Hockey Tier 3 BC Championship four days into the event, despite a rough start in their first game on Sunday, March 13.
As of press time, the Blues had advanced to the semi-finals. Winners of the semis move on to battle it out for gold while the runners-up play for bronze.
The early morning slot of the first game didn’t deter fans from filling the building to cheer on the local boys. The Smithers Storm proved to be a formidable opponent, and had our boys on their heels for most of the first period. Smithers came out strong with a couple of quick goals and by the end of the second period the Blues were down by three points.
The Sunshine Coast boys came back with a vengeance and owned the third period. Two goals by Flay brought them within one point of tying it up. The Blues pulled their goalie with the seconds dying down, but couldn’t beat the Smithers net minder.
The opening game resulted in a tough, one-point loss for the Blues.
The Sunshine Coast played Dawson Creek in their second game of the day, following the opening ceremonies. The Gibsons arena was filled to capacity – standing room only – and the atmosphere was electric. Perhaps it was the energy from the crowd or just their sheer determination, but the Sunshine Coast Blues came out of the gate with an unmatched ferocity.
At the end of the first period, the Blues were up three points, with goals from Killackey, Fodchuk, Stinchcombe and assists from Patton and Bothwell. A tight defence from Goalie Brandon Ree-Lagace kept every enemy shot out of the net.
The second period brought another goal from Stinchcombe, and Josephson sealed the deal with the fifth goal in the third period.
The devastating win has started to build momentum for the Blues and carried through to day two of the Championship. Again the Gibsons arena was filled to the rafters and the decibel level was off the chart as the Blues faced off against the Kelowna Jr. Rockets.
The Sunshine Coast Blues dominated the game winning by five points – a hat trick by Fodchuk, a Bobby Orr goal from Flay and a laser from the point by Patton.
Games were held all week at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre. Stay with us next week for Championship results. See the sports ticker on page 50 for scores and check out the online photo gallery for more photos.
The Blues are now rolling and putting on quite a show for the always-supportive Sunshine Coast Community.
