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RIDGE MEADOWS DISH FEB 10 2013

31stANNUAL PCAHA

JUVENILE SCHOLARSHIP TOURNAMENT

wrap up

by Sher Boudreau

This year's final game was hosted by North Delta Minor Hockey Association, at the Sungod Arena.  Saturday February 9, just also happened to be 'Hockey Day in Canada'. A fitting occasion to see these all-star teams:  "PCAHA Flames" vs. "PCAHA Canucks" play on the same day as their namesake NHL teams The Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks. 

The final's rivalry began when the two teams met in round robin play. The PCAHA Flames won their first outing by a butt whooping score of 11-3 over the battered PCAHA Canucks. The Flames also won their game against the PCAHA Senators (who consequently came third in the tournament).  With the Flames in full lead of the tournament, the Canucks had a settle to score.

The Scholarship Tournament was not only about winning the coveted Earl Sinkie Trophy. But an opportunity for these juvenile players made up from the lower mainland to play together on these all-start teams with different coaches.  To develop new friendships, improve team-play, fair-play and also for a chance at one of three $500 bursaries awarded at the end of the tournament. (One bursary per team).  This year, the final game was proud to have Earl Sinkie on hand to award his namesake trophy as well as the gold, silver and bronze place medals. 

The first period was very fast paced with good clean hitting and outstanding net-minding by both sides. At the end of the first period, the teams were locked at 0-0. As the second period started, there seemed to be a newly lit fire under both sides. It would be the PCAHA Canucks that would draw blood first at 19:51 with an unassisted goal by Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey's Evan Semenerio.

The Flames pressed and peppered shots at the Canucks goalie at struck pay dirt at 9:28 with a goal by Coquitlam Minor Hockey's Anthony Basso and assisted by Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey's TJ Bevilacqua.  The Flames would continue to fire bullets at the Canucks net-minders (both Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey's Marshall Quinnell and Cloverdale Minor Hockey's Jacob Durose who would finish the game).

At 6:58 of the 2nd period, the Flames would get on the board again with a goal by Seafair Minor Hockey's Kris Hay with an assist by Vancouver Minor Hockey's Daniel Wong.

The Canucks would rally back and Ridge Meadow Minor Hockey's Evan Semenerio would get his 2nd goal of the game.  This time with the assist of Cloverdale Minor Hockey's Hirsh Gill.

Tensions were mounting as the clock whined down to zero and the 2nd period would end in a 2-2 tie. The third period would start with some good clean checking and constant pressure on both goalies.  It would be the Flames to score at 11:41 of the 3rd period to take a 3-2 lead. Scored unassisted by Vancouver Minor Hockey's Daniel Wong.

Vancouver Minor Hockey's Daniel Wong also won the game's MVP for the Flames. While, the MVP for the Canucks was their goalie; Ridge Meadow Minor Hockey's Marshall Quinnell.

At the end of the game, the award presentation also included the awarding of the three $500 bursaries.

From the PCAHA Senators - representing North Vancouver Minor Hockey was Ryan Eisenbock who was on hand to receive his award. The second bursary was awarded to PCAHA Canucks player Kevin Scott, representing Surrey Minor Hockey.  The third $500 bursary was awarded to PCAHA Flames player TJ Bevilacqua, representing Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey.

Prior to the final game's commencing, I had a chance to talk to a few of the coaches. While speaking with Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey coach Derek Bedard, he was looking at all the name plaques on the trophy. It was at that moment that he made what would be quiet a prophetic statement.

"Hey Sher, remember when I played in the Scholarship Tournament?" "Yes," I replied happily. "Well, my winning team then was the PCAHA Flames. I'm now coaching the PCAHA Flames. Maybe this is a good omen".

No truer words could have been spoken that afternoon.

Congratulations to all the coaches, managers and especially to all the players. The Tournament showcased a remarkable display of sportsmanship, teamwork and fantastic hockey! Hockey Day in Canada certainly made it's mark for these graduating minor hockey players.