It all started last Friday night when the Whalers played their first game at 8:30pm in Port McNeill after a quick 3 hour drive in the usual northern rain. Out of 8 teams in the tournament, the Victoria Furies were the first to taste defeat from the Whalers by a score of quite a few to much less. Tera “Jackie Chan” Kasubuchi (Comox Valley Auto Electric) was awarded player of the game while Kayla “Yellow Helmet” Novelli’s (Areo Art Screen Printing) terrific playmaking made the evening highlights amongst the spectators.
The Whalers were permitted a short sleep and got up the next day for an 8:00am game against the host team the McNeill Downpour. The game was fun and entertaining and the Whalers came out on top with a score similar to the evening before. This game saw rookie Lynn “Heavy Stick” Slaby (Comox Valley Insurance Centres – Comox) take away the MVP honors.
The day ended with Courtenay playing the second Port McNeill team at 3:00pm. The Storm were comprised of mostly beginners and the pace of the game allowed many Courtenay players to get on the scoreboard and to practice some set plays. Once again, the level of sportsmanship and camaraderie was much appreciated by the hometeam. The Whalers won by a score of much much more to only a couple. Incredible goaltending for the third game in a row by Jaimie Banham (Brian McLean Chevrolet) was much appreciated by her teammates.
The Whalers ended their round robin play undefeated giving them an automatic spot in the final on Sunday at noon. A late start time would come very handy after a fun filled Saturday night at the tournament soirée.
Sunday morning came faster than expected and wrinkles had to be ironed out and bodies hydrated. As the puck dropped in front of a much bigger and taller Victoria Active Pass team, players wondered if their cloudy sight was caused by fog in the arena. The game started on a good note with the Whalers leading 4-0 by the second period. Energy ran low toward the end of the game and Victoria scored twice. Bert “Paparazzi” Churchill skated away with the MVP cozie.
The Whalers would like to extend their warm thank you to the outstanding coaching from Coach Keanan Egeland and Cody King.
Thanks to the constant support of the Whalers sponsors in Fitness excellence, Whistle Stop and Whales Tale & Toys.
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