Story by Steve Erickson  For the past few seasons I have had the privilege to cover all St. Georges CSSHL home games on Saturday’s as well as Sunday mornings.

With the season wrapping up a short while ago the CSSHL recently held their AGM in Toronto taking place from April 18th-20th that had the Board of Governors meetings discuss various topics for the 2023-24 season.

We received the following e-mail from the CSSHL and wanted to share what they discussed in depth over the weekend.

Enjoy the read:

Representatives from all 32 CSSHL member programs met for the second time this year, having previously met for the semi-annual meeting in Calgary, AB back in January.

Bishop’s College School (Sherbrooke, QC), Champions Hockey Academy (Fredericton, NB), STAR Hockey Academy at KVHA (Seattle, WA), Ulysse Academie (Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan, QC), and Wenatchee Wild Hockey Academy (Wenatchee, WA) were all officially welcomed to the tables as new member programs for 2023/24. Indigenous Sports Academy was officially approved by vote as a full-time member after receiving probationary status for the 2022/23 season.

The additions of Bishop’s College, Champions Hockey Academy and Ulysse Academie bring the Eastern Division total to nine programs at the U18 and U17 levels as they join Bourget College, CIH Academy, King Heights Academy, Mount Academy, Okanagan Hockey Ontario, and Ontario Hockey Academy.

The Northern Alberta Xtreme, Yale Hockey Academy and International Hockey Academy all presented Ownership Changes to the Board of Governors, with all three changes being approved by the board. 

All three programs will revert to probationary member status for the 2023/24 season.

With the ownership change International Hockey Academy has rebranded to Calgary International Hockey Academy.

The CSSHL has voted to renew their agreements with the Aimability Education Series and HONE.

All CSSHL member programs are required to deliver yearly education topics to all of their student-athletes. 

The Life and Citizenship Series is a league-wide webinar series encompassing a diverse set of skills and values contributing to the short and long-term development of the CSSHL community. 

Last season Amiability facilitated seven separate presentations with some of the top experts in the respective topics below:

• Character Building and Respect in Sport
• Drugs, Alcohol and Vaping
• Racism and Diversity in Sport
• Mental Health and Performance
• Digital Ethics and Internet Safety
• Gender Identity and Expression
• Sexual Misconduct and Harassment

HONE Athletics is a Canadian company on a mission to improve mental health is sport. 

HONE uses a digital platform to support coaches and organizations in keeping a pulse on the well-being of their teams.

Jason Stewart (Vice Chairperson), Jason Kerswill (Secretary) and Andre Savage (Director at Large East) were all re-elected, unopposed for two more seasons for their current roles.

The last day of the AGM wrapped up with the scheduling of league wide showcases, regional showcases and flex games.

Showcase dates are as follows:

• Female Prep
  • September 29-October 2 – Penticton, BC
  • October 26-29 – Calgary, AB
  • February 22-25 – Winnipeg, MB
• U18 Prep
  • Division Wide
    • December 7-10 – Edmonton, AB
    • February 2-5 – Calgary, AB
  • BC/USA Teams
    • October 27-29 – Shawnigan Lake/Victoria, BC
    • December 1-3 – Abbotsford, BC
    • January 19-21 – Penticton, BC
  • Prairie Teams
    • October 27-29 – Caronport/Moose Jaw, SK
    • November 24-26 – Winnipeg, MB
  • U17 Prep
    • October 6-9 – Calgary, AB
    • January 11-14 – Vancouver, BC and Area
    • February 2-5 – Winnipeg, MB
  • U15 Prep
    • Division Wide
      • September 28-October 1 – Victoria/Shawnigan Lake, BC
      • February 22-25 – Calgary, AB
    • BC/USA Teams
      • October 20-22 – Vancouver, BC
      • December 1-3 – Vancouver, BC
    • Prairie Teams
      • November 3-4 – Winnipeg, MB
      • December 15-17 – Caronport/Moose Jaw, SK
      • February 9-11 – Edmonton, AB
  • U15
    • October 19-22 – Penticton, BC
    • December 7-10 – Calgary, BC
    • February 8-11 – Edmonton, A

Story by Steve Erickson

With the Abbotsford Canucks coming off an impressive win in game one against the Bakersfield Condors you knew that the coaching staff would have the players ‘tuned-in” that would not only be physical but entertaining.

The visitors clearly had their backs to the wall and knowing that their season was on the link, they threw everything they had at the  Canucks, but given a sold-out crowd it wouldn’t be an easy task.

The winner of the series would advance to the second round of the 2022/23 Calder Cup playoffs with the only change that was noticeable was that both clubs changed “tender” for game two.

Abby would give Spencer Martin the night off going with Arturs Silovs while the Condors went with Winnipeg’s Calvin Pickard after having a stellar first game in the best of three.

We were asked where the tenders were from and replying to my emails Silvos is from Ventspils, Latvia while Pickard is from Winnipeg and no doubt cheering for the Jets.

Abby continued where they left off two night prior peppering shot after shot at the Condors outshooting them by a 16-5 margin after twenty minutes that saw both teams play a scoreless period.

Both clubs managed to keep the officials busy dealing out five minor’s to the Condors and a pair to Abby all which were minors.

As you can tell the contest was a heated match-up between with both clubs focused on advancing which say’s a lot about the fan support that Abby had not just for this series, but the overall season.

Abby managed to grab the first three PP chances while Bakersfield was also unable to capitalize on either chance with the first to Hoglander at 14:29 and the second to Wouters at 16:24

Canucks Jack Rathbone opened the scoring at 2:06 with helpers from Karlsson and Dowling followed by their second of the contest at 13:16 with Keeper in the box for slashing at 17:11 with Condors James Hamblin pulling them within one at 18:26.

The second saw a complete reversal of shots with the Condors outshooting the Canucks by a 15-6 margin and Abby holding a narrow 22-20 margin after managing only two minors to Abby’s three through 40 minutes 

The third would and could have gone either way with both teams having chances, but more so with Bakersfield who knew a loss and their season was officially over.

Lavoie, who led the Condors in goals throughout this past regular season got the Condors even at 3:30 of the third and for any team who plays aggressive only puts your team in a vulnerable position. 

Such was the case with the Condors who were assessed a pair of minors giving the Canucks a two man advantage that saw Höglander get his second of the playoffs putting the Canucks up at 7:36 while on the power play.

Bakersfield called a timeout and pulled their “tender” for the man advantage but the Canucks played solid in their zone that saw John Stevens’ empty net goal in the final minute send them to round two. 

Höglander managed to grab his second consecutive multi-point game that saw a total of 11 different Canucks find the scoresheet. 

Bakersfield’s Calvin Pickard stopped 29 of 32 while Canucks Silovs stopped 26 of 28through 60 minutes helping his team advance to the second round.

At press time, it’s still uncertain who they will face in round two and we are hearing that if it’s Calgary Condors attempt in the evening.

Notes worth knowing: 

Abbotsford Canucks Christian Wolanin was named winner of the Eddie Shore Award as the top AHL defenseman and also managed to get himself a new two-year contract with the organization.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – ARTURS SILOVS

FAN FAVOURITE – JACK RATHBONE

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – LINUS KARLSSON

UNSUNG HERO – JETT WOO

MAN OF THE YEAR – CHASE WOUTERS

Story by Steve Erickson

While the parent club failed to make post-season play their AHL franchise managed to secure home ice advantage for the first round playing host to the Bakersfield Condors.

News coming out of the Vancouver Canucks that they have signed 19-year-old Elias Pettersson to a three-entry level contract, while the “main-stay” Pettersson has yet to get resigned.

Entering the media area, which for this series has a full press box with the likes of Jay Sharrers, AHL/NHL Supervisor of Officials, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Scott Bradley, Senior Advisor to Bruins GM, Barclay Panetta, Vancouver Giants GM, Michael Dyck (Giants Head Coach) as well as other NHL Scouts.

Abbotsford finished 4th in the Pacific Division with a record of 40-24-3-4 for 87 points while the Condors season record was 37-31-2-2 for 78 points through the 72 game league schedule that saw nine returning players from Abby’s 2022 playoff lineup dressed.

After what some are calling an impressive stint with the NHL Canucks Christian Wolanin and Noah Juulsen were returned to the Abby lineup while Danila Klimovich was looking his magic with his four-game scoring.  

Having made the postseason, it’s nice to see their solid fan support shown by the community while also having pre-game entertainment with a country band.

It was interesting to see Abbotsford Mayor and his daughter take part in the opening ceremonies along with Matteo supplying the music with manager, game presentation and community events Jen Graham while Caroline Frolick was on the mic.

Abby decided to put Spencer Martin between the pipes while Bakersfield went with former Seattle T-Birds Calvin Pickard between the pipes while Abby’s Christian Wolanin named AHL

While many attending the game were Canuck fans, there were a few Bakersfield fans noting that they are the AHL farm team for the NHL Oilers.

The first goals came at 13:36 with Bakersfield putting one past Spencer Martin that went to video review that saw Abby challenge due to possible goaltender interference that saw the puck pushed under him.

The review process took a while, but from a league perspective the main goal is to get the call right and of course if you’re an Abby fan you’re hoping it was overturned, which it was.

The game remained scoreless and in watching the review it was clear that Martin had the puck covered and was forced into the net with the push of a stick.

The first was a chippy period that saw both “tenders” forced to make a couple of quality saves from various areas of the ice that saw Abby outshoot the Condors by a narrow 6-5 margin with the score remaining scoreless while Abby outshot Bakersfield by a 12-7 margin in the second.

The third continued where the second left off with Abby controlling the play in both ends of the ice playing disciplined managing to get the third goal of the game jumping out to a 3-0 lead.

The last-minute saw them ring off the post while they were looking for goal number four of the contest, which wasn’t in the cards on this night.

Abby’s Spencer Martin stopped 21 shots being named first star in his first playoff AHL home game while Bakersfield’s Calvin Pickard stopped 27 of the 30 peppered at him.

Game two has both teams hit Friday (April 21st) with the face-off at 7:00 pm that has Abby within one game of advancing to round two.

If game three is required it will be played on my Daughter’s birthday April 23rd at 7 pm in Abby.

If you are looking at catching some exciting Canuck tickets can be purchased for the upcoming games click on the link above

Patrik Allvin Vancouver Canucks GM continues to make positive changes within the coaching staff announcing that Assistant Coach Jason King will not be returning for the upcoming season.

He was first drafted in the seventh round (2001 NHL Entry Draft) and played 11 years which included 59 NHL games, dressing in 55 with Vancouver as well as 335 in the AHL and 140 DEL games. 

He was Assistant Coach with the AHL affiliate for five seasons then named Assistant Coach of Vancouver in 2020.

In conversation with some last evening, many think that this could be the first of many changes in the off-season?

We’ll See!!!!

This article is presented to you from  https://www.theHockeyGrandDad.ca and   https://Sportswave.ca for your enjoyment.

These photos are of the Hockey Grand Dad collection of miscellaneous hockey jerseys I have liked and added over the years.

Enjoy.

Photo Credits -  Wes Shaw/Shotbug Press

Story by Steve Erickson

It must have been the thought of not making the playoffs or having home ice that the Abbotsford Canucks focused on home ice for the first round of the playoffs, but regardless of how it played out, it worked.

Heading into the final three home games of their regular season saw them play host to the Calgary Wranglers with the focus on Autism Acceptance Night. 

The “baby” Canucks entered the game focused on tying the franchise record with 39 wins in a single season as Linus Karlsson is the first Abbotsford Canuck playing 70 games in one regular season. 

In conversation with some of the fans they were pleased to see Nils Höglander and Andy Carroll dressed as Arturs Silovs was between the pipes.

The Wranglers dressed Oscar Dansk between the pipes only due to the fact that Dustin Wolf was recalled to the Flames, but regardless both tenders played “unreal” in the first.

The first did have the fans entertained as Giuttari hit the post only to have Tristen Nielsen attempt a “Michigan” move albeit a failed attempt, but it sure got the fans talking.

Abbotsford eventually got their first with just over five minutes left in the first that saw Jack Rathbone (5th) snap one under Dansk arm that saw Abby outshoot the Wranglers 10-9 after one.

The Wranglers had to be wondering what they were doing wrong as they were unable to hit the target only to have Abby take a 2-0 lead off a shot from Danila Klimovich got his 15th of the season. their lead.

Shots count and in this case it was probably a good thing that the Wranglers weren’t at the casino cause nothing was working for them with Abby dominating the shot department by a commanding 22-2 holding a commanding 32-11 after two periods.

While the third seemed as a couple of fans mentioned “lax luster” for scoring the fans got their money’s worth with Alex Kannok Leipert tangled with Wranglers Alex Gallant that seemed to go on and on.

The final ended with Arturs Silovs stopping all six shots plus the 17 shots as he managed to record his fourth S/O this season. 

Abby managed to grab points in 13 straight games giving the Wranglers’ which was the first time this season that they were shutout. 

Abby’s Jett Woo (3G, 2A) managed five points in his last five games getting an assist on Klimovich’s goal while Klimovich got goals in back to back games.

With the Canucks 2 allowed shots in a period it ties a season-best while Calgary managed to tie their season-low in the second period.

Abby have two final games remaining in the regular season and ironically they are both against the Wranglers that has Friday’s contest fit with Calgary being Country Night. 

Saturday is Fan Appreciation Night with the Canucks wrapping up the regular season as they now set their sights on a playoff run with them playing host to the entirety of Round 1 of the Calder Cup Playoffs. 

Mark the following dates on your calendar and get your tickets early for the exciting Abbotsford Canuck playoff action set for. April 19th, 21st and 23rd. 

Photo Credits - Wes Shaw/ShotbugPress

Story by Steve Erickson

Locally minor hockey provincials are underway while the Canucks wrap up their season having a tribute to good friend John Garrett who is stepping away from the  broadcast booth, at least from his current role.

One can only hope that they don’t replace him with someone that doesn’t know the rules or that they are looking to go a different direction with someone younger.

In some cases that works, but in conversation with some this direction doesn’t alway’s work or place him cause they want to use someone from Ontario.

We all know how major market stations work and going younger doesn’t always sell to the demographic they are searching for let alone the airwaves that are unable to carry the frequency.

The Abbotsford Canucks come back to defeat the Ontario Reign 4-3 in OT at Abbotsford Event Centre, in Abbotsford, BC, 7 Apr 2023 Photo: Wesley Shaw/ ShotBug Press

The Abbotsford Canucks come back to defeat the Ontario Reign 4-3 in OT at Abbotsford Event Centre, in Abbotsford, BC, 7 Apr 2023 Photo: Wesley Shaw/ ShotBug Press

On a recent trip to Abbotsford to take in the Canuck game listening to AM650 the signal gets lost before you reach the rink, but apparently if you live on the Island the signal is stronger, which for local fans is frustrating.

Regardless the send-off for John was nice to see but it would have been better done by the Canucks dressing room with players coming out to chat with him and offer their insight but that’s another story.

The trek to Abby to take in the AHL game was worthwhile if you’re one of their supporters and it’s always great to catch-up with the off-ice officials and chat about various topics which I’ll cover in an upcoming article.

Friday saw them host the Ontario Reign, the farm team for LA which is the first of a five game home stand as  they look at wrapping up the regular season.

Fan fav Jett Wook entered the game  coming off two multi-point games and recording four goals in his last 19 games, while Jack Rathbone returns from the parent Canucks.

The first period saw LA outshoot them by a 12-10 margin while killing a pair of minor’s, both for slashing while Karlsson collected his 22nd of the season at 18:29 taking a 1-0 lead to the room after one.

The Abbotsford Canucks come back to defeat the Ontario Reign 4-3 in OT at Abbotsford Event Centre, in Abbotsford, BC, 7 Apr 2023 Photo: Wesley Shaw/ ShotBug Press
The Abbotsford Canucks come back to defeat the Ontario Reign 4-3 in OT at Abbotsford Event Centre, in Abbotsford, BC, 7 Apr 2023 Photo: Wesley Shaw/ ShotBug Press

The second saw Karlsson get his second of the contest and 23rd of the season who sent one inside the blue-line to Jack Rathbone with a give and go back to Karlsson at 11:45 who tapped it in the open cage giving Abby a 2-0 lead.

Ontario pulled within one with Andnersson getting his 29th of the season pulling them within one at 15:26 that would see Abby take a 2-1 lead to the room after two.

The third saw Ontario grab a pair with the first at 8:53 getting them even at two then taking a 3-2 lead with Laferriere getting his first of the season at 14:19.

Abby fought hard managing to attempt shots at Ontario’s tender Matthew Villalta who had help from his “D’ that allowed Abby to call a timeout that set up Kyle Rau to get them even at 19:34 forcing O/T.

With the fans on the edge of their seats O/T was short lived that saw Jett Woo grab his 7th of the season a short 22 second in with Nielsen and Bains getting helpers.

The Abbotsford Canucks come back to defeat the Ontario Reign 4-3 in OT at Abbotsford Event Centre, in Abbotsford, BC, 7 Apr 2023 Photo: Wesley Shaw/ ShotBug Press

The first game stats saw Ontario manage 12, 13, 9, 0 while the “Baby” Canucks managed 10, 11, 5 and 1 for the game winner.

The second game of the series went the following night with Ontario repaying them stealing a 2-1 win that saw Abby outshoot the Reign by a 28-18 margin that saw both clubs change tenders for this contest.

Abby’s next game is April 12th as they play host to the Calgary Wranglers with the face-off set for 7 pm at the Abbotsford Centre.

The last five games had the Wranglers on a five game winning streak with a season record of 50-15-3-1 while the Canucks are 3-2 for a season record of 38-24-3-4.

Make plans to attend and don’t miss out on exciting Abbotsford Canuck action.

Photo Credits - Doug Westcott

Story by Steve Erickson

With hockey season coming to an abrupt end for both the Vancouver Canucks as well as the Vancouver Giants, one group of players are focused on making the NHL, while pro players are wondering if they might have a change of address.

Games are played in various communities, but regardless it’s hard to forget about April 6,2018 when the Humboldt Broncos organization and what they went through.

It’s still hard to understand how this could happen but in reality it’s all about training and I for one know that the drivers who travel the highway’s from town to town are experienced, but not all.

Today, and every day, we remember and pay tribute to the 2017-2018 Humboldt Broncos players, staff and families.  In their honour today we talk about what it means to be a Humboldt Bronco and reflect on the team, the organization and the community which includes the billet families.

Games are focused on winning at all costs regardless of the cost, but how does one put any price on this?

Life is far too precious and as we reflect on this we must remember that this one trip stopped the hockey world.

Various teams and associations paid tribute for the past five years and those lost will remain in the hearts and minds for years to come.

On the anniversary of this the Vancouver Giants are playing the Kamloops Blazers in what many consider as their last season of the 2022-23 season.

Kamloops are hosting the 2023 Memorial Cup (branded as the 2023 Memorial Cup presented by Kia for sponsorship reasons) and is a four-team round-robin format played May 26th-June 4th in Kamloops at the Sandman Centre from May 26–June 4, 2023.

In the first three games the Giants have been outscored by a 19-1 margin but that wouldn’t be the same in game four that many were not shocked by.

This contest saw the Blazers start Dylan Ernst between the pipes while the Giants started Stockholm’s Jesper Vikman who was selected by Vegas in the NHL Draft 5th round 125th, but in the Import Draft he was selected in the first round 8th overall

The Giants came out with lots of jump grabbing the first of the game  with Ty Thorpe his first of the game  putting them on the board at 5:06 with helpers from Honzek and  Leslie.

Try as they might they were unable to curtain the offensive power of Kamloops as they got even at 6:51 with Hofer (4) while on the PP.

Giants Thorpe got his second of the game at 19:29 with Palmeri and “tender” Vikman getting assists on the go-ahead goal.

One would think that scoring late in the period would see the lead carry over to the second, but that wasn’t the case as the Blazers got even at 19:59 with Levi getting their second marker.

The first ended with the Blazers outshooting the Giants by a 19-12 margin and in conversation with some of the scouts on hand they felt it was their best period of the series to date.

The second was scoreless, but the third saw Thorpe get his “hat trick” goal only 52 seconds in with Honzek and Anderson setting him up.

The frenzy continued only to have Vikman get hammered with shot after shot unable to stop the onslaught of Blazers to the delight of their fans on hand showing support.  The go ahead goal for the Blazers saw Fort Saskatchewan’s  Zellweger score at 3:45 forcing the G-men to dig deep knowing that their season was on the line.

With solid play and continuing to attack the net it wasn’t until the 15:00 minute mark of the 3rd that saw Skyler Bruce even the game at four that saw the Blazers pressure Vikman trying to end the series and close out the season for the Giants.

You can tell that the Blazers were trying to eliminate the G-men and given the shot total after three periods it was 41-28 and if it wasn’t for the stellar play of Vikman it would have been done and done!!

One can only imagine what Coach Michael Dyck would have said between periods knowing it could be over in a heartbeat on a single shot, but knowing the Giants organization losing isn’t an option.

So heading to O/T this contest could have gone either way,and try as they might it came down to a last second shot that saw the Blazers advance eliminating the Giants.

It clearly came down to not just talent, but one might say horse power that saw the Giants outshot in O/T by a whopping 26-7 through 19:59 given that the winning goal was scored with 1.5 seconds left.

Heading to O/T is something that was set to happen and regardless of the outcome for dollar value you know that as Arnold said ‘I’ll be back” which they will.

The final shot tally was 67 to 35 that saw the Blazers go 2-5 on the PP, while the Giants were 2-6.

Three Stars in this game went to the Vancouver Giants 20 year old players which was the way  it was meant to finish off, well they could have played one more game, but then their fans wouldn’t be entertained to a thriller.

Three Stars:

• 1st        Ty Thorpe
• 2nd\      Jesper Vikman
• 3rd        Dylan Anderson

We wish them all the best moving on in their career, regardless of where they play.

Thanks to the Giants for such an exciting 2022-23 season of hockey!!!

Story by Steve Erickson

With hockey wrapping up in the lower mainland they are taking the ice out and getting their building ready for lacrosse and as you can expect, if playoffs go longer this could be an issue.

A recent situation for this involved the Delta Ice Hawks and the Ridge Meadows Flames of the PJHL who took their series to a game seven.

While the series went to seven games, Sportswave dedicates this win to former trainer and long time friend Wayne Hubbard who spent tireless hours giving of his time for the Delta Ice Hawks. 

If nothing else I want the Ice Hawks to WIN THIS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR WAYNE!!!!!!!

The series went longer than some or many thought it would go, but the Flames surprised Delta forcing a game seven all due to a “gutsy” performance by the entire Flames team.

It clearly wasn’t a home and home series as Ridge won the first two in Delta only to have Delta reverse this and win games three and four in Ridge.

With the series tied at a pair and Delta returning to the Leisure Centre for game five, it was the Flames who exploded for five goals in the third taking a 3-2 series lead with Delta knowing their backs were to the wall.

Never say never and game six saw another solid performance by the Ice Hawks with the 20 year-olds stepping up the plate pulling out a 2-1 win forcing game seven.

The question was where would it be played considering the ice was taken out in Ladner as well as Delta’s Sungod Arena, so the search was on.

At this point it was about simply finding ice or rather quality ice to play on and after a short search it seemed to be a good fit to play it in Langley at George Preston Arena, home for the Trappers.

While the choice seemed simple, but rather strange that they would be playing in the rink that beat them out last season in the Cyclone Taylor Championship in Delta’s rink as they were the host.

Full credit to the staff at George Preston Arena for stepping up while also hosting 825 hard core supporters making the trek from Maple Ridge as well as Delta or rather – Ladner.

While some might differ, I must say that the entire not only series, but playoffs this season for the PJHL was extremely well officiated that saw them use their top officials for the final series.

Ridge opened the scoring in the first at 16:02 while on the PP with former Ice Hawk Mathew Wise getting revenge on his old team.

They held the lead until 4:47 when Coquitam’s Colin Jang put one past Cam Connolly pulling even with Ridge, which was short lived that saw Theo Kochan give the Flames back the lead at 14:02.

Never say never and if you’ve attended an Ice Hawks game this season, you’ll know that they are capable of a comeback, which they did.

This time it was Connor Merriman who got Delta even at 16:04 getting his 8th of the playoffs that saw the teams take a 2-2 tie to the dressing room after 40 minutes.

The third was more of a tentative battle that saw Delta’s Carson Hemingway give the Ice Hawks the lead at 3:59 getting his 4th.

Ridge is known to come back and in this case it was Pierce Whyte who got the Flames even at three with helpers to Osborne and Kujala with 6:11 left in the third.

That was the way regulation finished that saw the fans entertained to OT that realistically was anyone’s game.

This night had what you could call a Hollywood finish that would see both teams get several chances in OT but in the end it was Delta’s Kyle Robinson who put in the winning goal at 6:11 sending Delta to Revelstoke.

Regardless of the win the highlight of the game came in the second with Erickson forced to come up with what you might consider the save of the game with Flames Theo Kochan awarded a penalty shot at 17:23 in the second only to be turned aside.

While this wasn’t the turning point of the game when it was called you could have heard a “pin drop” in the Ice Hawks suite, but silence turned to shouts when Delta’s Merik Erickson stopped the shot.

Credit to such an exceptional series goes out to both teams and their coaching staff who had several heart-stopping moments in the seven game series.

Delta took four minors, three of which were stick infractions, while Ridge only took one in the final game.

Ridge outshot Delta by a 36-34 margin with Ridge also grabbing two power play goals with Adam Winters the back-up “tender” for Ridge while Zach Shaughnessy was the back-up for Delta in a game that took 2:23 minutes.

For Delta now it’s time to heal and rest the players and focus on what has been eluding them for the past four years – the Cyclone Taylor Cup Championship.

Delta’s Danylo Bereza and Mykhaylo Sheludchenko now head out to Angers, France representing Ukraine at the U18 World Junior Championship and Sportwave wished them all the best.

Overall a great season for the PJHL as they managed to get in a full season of play while also adding the Port Coquitlam Trialblazzers as a new franchise to the league for next season.

The newest addition will balance out both the Tom Shaw Conference as well as the Harold Britton Conference, but at present it’s not sure what team’s will be in each conference.

We’ll keep you posted on this and for those who have never seen or even attended a PJHL game, you’re clearly missing out on exciting Junior Hockey!!!!