For probably the 10th year in the row, the Courtenay Whalers Women’s Hockey Team travelled North of the Island to participate in the Port Hardy Wild Tournament. And Wild it was. The team was a combination of veteran players mixed with the team new recruits Meagan “Merv” Harrison, Baby Shena Hinks, Krista “grr” Swick and Lindsay Stack the ringer! A great mix it was!!
The first game on Friday at 7pm was a bit of a getting used to everyone, especially after a long drive to Hardy. Whalers played the host team Port Hardy Wild. Despite having to make a few adjustments, the play was back and forth and the game ended in a 1-1 tie, giving each team equal points.
Whalers then had to play the young and speedy Juicehead teams at 11:30pm. The Juiceheads team is mainly built of ex-local youth players, now studying in Victoria and Nanaimo. Whalers had an exceptionally great game. First to the puck, quick at closing down the opposition, aggressive on the boards. Whalers took the youngsters by surprise and kept the lead for most of the game. With less than a minute to go, Whalers were leading 2-1 and found themselves under pressure from the opposition. A scramble in front of the net, with many players and the Whalers goalie down caused confusion and somehow the puck made its way to the back of the net with 22 seconds left. Final score 2-2.
The final round robin game took place on Saturday morning against the Port McNeil Downpour. Game was back and forth with both team taking the lead at some point in the game. Quickly into the second period, McNeil managed to score two quick goals to give their team a 3-2 lead which would end up being the final score. Whalers missed making the finals by one point. Sometime 22 seconds is all it takes!
Saddened by the missed final, the Whalers did not disappoint the crowd. They made their annual appearance to the Fundraising Dance party, dressed up in the funniest of costumes. Whalers fans and organizing committee were extremely happy to see the team join the festivities! This year the team hit it on the nail once again with the “Color the World” theme…Hey, as long as we know what we are, that is all that matters! Until next year Hardy!
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