North Okanagan Teams Capture Bronze at Exciting B.C. Hockey Finals!

Two North Okanagan Shuswap teams are celebrating success after competing in their respective provincial minor hockey championships, both returning home with bronze medals.

In Campbell River, the Vernon Watkin Motors Mustangs finished third at the Tier 1 U13 finals. They secured their medal by decisively defeating the Victoria Racquet Club Kings 7-1 in the final match on March 19. The Mustangs had a strong showing in the round-robin stage, with a record of 3-2. However, they couldn’t make it to the gold medal game, where Burnaby Winter Club triumphed over Semiahmoo Ravens with a score of 9-4.

Several players stood out in the Mustangs’ win against Victoria. Rowan McGrath and Thompson Podollan each netted two goals, while Jett Menzies, Kingston Prenioslo, and Emmett Davis added a goal apiece. Earlier in the tournament, the Mustangs faced setbacks against Burnaby and Semiahmoo, finishing strong despite those challenges.

Meanwhile, the North Zone Kings showed remarkable resilience at the Tier 1 U15 finals in Kamloops. They overcame a 2-0 deficit in the bronze medal match to defeat the Nanaimo Clippers 7-2. Wade Lightfoot was a standout player, scoring three goals, supported by Hudson Deisroth with two goals and additional contributions from Austin Cherry and Ronin Raymond. The Kings’ journey included a semifinal loss to the North Shore Winter Club, but they regrouped to earn their medal.

In other competitions, the Vernon Vipers struggled but finished fourth in the Tier 2 U15 category. They lost their bronze medal match against the Ridge Meadows Flames, despite goals from Jackson Ford and Aiden Miller. The South Delta Storm ultimately took the championship title in that bracket.

The North Okanagan Salmon Arm Knights faced tough times in Tier 3 U15, finishing last in their pool without a win. They played hard but couldn’t secure a spot in the playoffs.

A notable point is the strong youth participation in hockey, reflecting a broader trend of engagement in youth sports across Canada. According to Hockey Canada, youth participation in hockey has been relatively strong, showing a growth of 3% in registration numbers last year, hinting at a bright future for up-and-coming players.

As minor hockey wraps up its season, these provincial tournaments not only celebrate the success of local teams but also highlight the dedication and passion of young athletes. Their journey inspires many, showcasing what teamwork and perseverance can achieve in sports.



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