Nanaimo October 16th to 18th
Whalers’ first tournament of the year started on Friday against the host team Nanaimo Black Ice. Plays and battles for the pucks were exchanged at both ends of the ice and at times a little more physical than expected. Final score 2-2 in first game of pool play.
Next came the Whalers’ favorite rivals: the Port Alberni Panthers. An early start on Saturday morning made for a rude awakening. Port Alberni took control of the ice fairly quickly with many experienced and youthful players. Whalers had a fantastic and fun game despite the final score of 6-1. Taylor Buell managed to keep the puck out of the net on many occasions with outstanding saves.
Quarter Final Saturday 8pm against out of town Port McNeil Downpour. Another fun game, filled with lots of shots, turn overs and dancing duets in front of the net. Final score 4-2 for the Whalers. A little boost of confidence just in time for our next opponent.
Semi-final Sunday 8am vs “no other than the Port Alberni Panthers”. A few bruises, some tired muscles, little sleep and memories of the last meeting between the two teams created a questionable mood in the change room. Can we do this? Although there may have been some doubts about our abilities, it never showed on the ice. Whalers came out of the gate with a mission and mission they accomplished. Whalers led the way most of the game but were shocked to see the opposition tied the game within seconds of the final whistle. The game was settled in a shoot out in front of an anxious crowd. Once again Taylor stood as tall as a giant and gave us the chance we needed. Jackie Beek buried her shot to end the score 3-2 for the Whalers.
Final Sunday 12:00 vs Victoria Stingers. The energy was high, the laughs were loud, the pride was mighty! Whalers went all out and within seconds, the score was 2-0 in their favour. The Victoria Stingers had been stung and they were not gonna sleep through this. The momentum went back and forth and kept the spectators on the edge. Unfortunately, Whalers saw their lead vanish again with two crafty goals by Victoria and once more were faced with a shoot out to settle the score. Whalers goalie did her thing and kept the puck out while the last Whalers’ shooter Jess Sekulich made no mistake with the final goal of the game.
Whalers win the Nanaimo Tournament 3-2!!!!!
Up next for the Whalers, Saturday October 24th vs Breakers, 7:15 Glacier Gardens.
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