Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey players bring home record number of banners

The Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey Association has wrapped up yet another stellar season, leaving a mark on the ice and in the community. SCMHA is celebrating bringing home one league banner, six playoff banners and two team achievement awards from the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association (PCAHA). 

President Adam Gibson expressed his pride in the achievements: “Our teams have shown great success both on and off the ice, and I hope they are proud of our many accomplishments.”  

The Sunshine Coast Blues’ list of wins this season is impressive. The U11A team clinched a playoff championship banner, while the U13C team emerged victorious as the Lions Gate League Playoff Champions. The U13 Female team triumphed as the Female Blue Flight Playoff Champions and secured three gold medal tournament wins, including their local tournament here on the Sunshine Coast.  

The U13A team claimed their league championship in Flight 5 and the Presidents Series title. Additionally, they secured two gold medals and a bronze at tournaments throughout the season.  

Meanwhile, the U15A team, who also brought home a gold medal from a tournament on Vancouver Island, is currently competing at the provincials in Quesnel, proud to represent the association against the best in B.C.  

Although the U18A team narrowly missed a provincial spot, finishing third in the final four in Mission, their remarkable journey throughout the season, playing in Flight 2 with many close and exciting games against Tier 1 teams, is a testament to their skill and dedication. Furthermore, both U11 C1 and C2 teams added to the association’s accolades by clinching the Lions Gate League Playoff Championship banners.  

Two of the association’s teams U13C and U11C1 were awarded Team Achievement Awards from the PCAHA, bringing the impressive banner record total to nine this season.  

However, the Sunshine Coast Blues’ impact extends far beyond the rink. Outgoing director of hockey Brad Wingfield highlighted the association’s commitment to giving back to the community. This season, families associated with the association provided Christmas to more than 15 families in need, exemplifying the spirit of compassion and generosity that permeates the hockey culture. 

As Wingfield bids farewell after 13 years with the association to coach the new Tsunami Junior A team, the Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey Association reflects on a season filled with sportsmanship and community engagement as one of the seasons highlights off the ice.  

Moreover, the association’s efforts to promote hockey tourism on the Coast during the slow season must be recognized. Hosting eight tournaments over four tournament weekends throughout the season, the association welcomed numerous families to the Coast, bolstering the local economy and fostering community throughout the league. 

The Sunshine Coast Blues Hockey Association thanks its sponsors, officials, volunteers, coaches, safeties, managers and on-ice helpers for their invaluable contributions to a memorable season. As the season draws to a close, the association looks forward to the popular three-on-three tournament, Riptide, which marks the beginning of spring as players eagerly anticipate hitting the ice again in August for another exciting season ahead.