BANTAM ALL-STAR CHAMPS
What a way to end the season! Our Bantam Team came home from the Powell River All-Star Tournament as Bantam Champions. Way to go!
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Bantam team named all stars in Powell River
Alberni Valley Times -Published: Friday, April 13, 2012
Port Alberni’s Bantam hockey team came back all-stars from the Powell River Bantam tournament last weekend.
The young team fought hard all weekend, but the final game was a real nail-bitter. The Alberni Valley was behind 3-0 with 7: 38 left in the second period. Logan Henson scored with assists by Ryan Rae-Arthur and Nick Ross to start the comeback.
At 17: 30 in the third period, Brittney Savard scored the second goal, with assist by Carson Nicholson
The tying goal was scored by Jakob Gitelman, with assists awarded to Kayden Terryberry and Nick Ross at 9: 07 in the third period. The winning goal was scored by Logan Henson, with 1: 37 left in the game.
Brayden Ward held off the continuous shots fired at him in goal in the last 90 seconds, while Alberni Valley was killing off a penalty and Powell River pulled their goalie so it was six-on-four.
It was an exciting end to the tournament for the players, fans and family who made the trip to Powell River.
“Fun was had by all throughout the weekend,” explained team manager Anu Ward, “and with the whole team effort to pull off two wins, one tie and one loss to give them the final game.”
The team is made up of Michael Addy, Tyler Drew-Adams, Rylan Cole, Carson Nicholson, Tyler Mercer, Shelby Clydes-dale, Brittney Savard, Nick Ross, Jakob Gitelman, Brayden Ward, Kayden Terryberry, Ryan Rae-Arthur, Logan Henson, Griffin Dolling, Alex Cochrane, Nick Vincent and Chase Henstridge. They are coached by Rob Cole and Mark Addy.
The most valuable players for games one through five were Carson Nicholson, Nick Ross, Brayden Ward, Shelby Clydesdale and Logan Henson.
News@avtimes.net
NOVICE DEVILS WIN TOURNAMENT
Julia Caranci, Alberni Valley Times
Published: Friday, March 30, 2012
Port Alberni’s Devils novice hockey team was in rare form last weekend, as they swept four games in a Sooke tournament. Coach Wade Nicklin said 16 members of the team travelled south last weekend and blew everyone away. His team is made up of seven to nine-year-old players, some of whom have been playing together for two or more years.
In their games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Devils scored four wins and no losses in a novice tournament against some 20 other teams from Comox, Cowichan Valley and Victoria.
As the coach explained, the tournament was more about being active and teamwork than winning, although the boys did receive medals of achievement at the end of the tournament. “The first rule is to have fun,” he said, adding the boys are also learning physical skills and improving their discipline.
In their final game against the host team, the Sooke Hawks, the Devils had a resounding 5-2 victory. “The kids just really gelled,” Nicklin said. “A few have been playing together for a long time.” That teamwork is really starting to show. Those who continue playing beyond the novice level graduate into the atom division next season, Nicklin said.
Brian Vallee and Tim May also coach the young team.
JCaranci@avtimes.net
Proud Sponsors of the Novice Red Devils Team
ATOM BLACKHAWKS WIN BRONZE
Our Scotiabank Atom Blackhawks were at the John White Memorial Atom Hockey Tournament in Victoria March 16-18th.
The teams finished bronze in the eight team tournament. They played a total of 4 games with the following results.
Game 1, 4-3 loss in a very close game
Game 2, 6-5 win
Game 3, 5-2 win
Game 4, 2-1 win
Congratulations Blackhawks!
Submitted by Jen Garcia
FEMALE MIDGET THUNDER MAKE IT TO THE FINALS
All smiles and ready for the playoff finals. Photo credit: Leanne Savard
The CUPE 118 Midget Female Thunder played for the banner on Sun March 11 in Oceanside against first place Comox Valley. Even though the Thunder went down 6 – 0 they didn’t stop skating in the penalty riddled game until the final whistle. Fifty-eight penalty minutes were handed out between the two teams and emotions were high throughout the game.
Going from last place in the Midget division last year to playing in the finals this year is a huge accomplishment for the team. And while winning the banner would have been nice, eliminating their arch rivals, the Nanaimo Clippers, from the playoffs in the semi-finals, was likely the high point of the season. And for the seven players graduating this year, it was an awesome end to their minor hockey careers. The team will finish out the season at the Richmond Ice Classic March 23-25.
Many thanks to our coaches Andre Savard, Heather Senger and Jordan Dowling, and to team manager Leanne Savard for their hard work and dedication to the team this year. Long live female hockey in the Alberni Valley!!
Semi-final game: 3rd place Alberni Valley defeated 2nd place Nanaimo 3-2. Photo Credit: Barb Anderson
sponsor of the Female Midget Thunder team
Submitted by Shelley Arnfield
FEMALE BANTAM WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER
The Flooring Depot Female Bantam Thunder was victorious this weekend bringing home the VIAHA Championship Banner.
They started this weekends playoff games in 4th spot coming in as the underdogs. They first took out the home team of Sooke and moved on to the finals with Juan de Fuca beating them 1.58 min into double overtime with a final score of 4-3.
With all the challenges faced by Female hockey on Vancouver Island this once again proves that Female Hockey is very much alive in the Alberni Valley. Way to go Girls a tremendous TEAM effort.
Female Bantam Thunder win Mid Island League Banner
sponsor of the AV Female Bantam Thunder team
Submitted by Aaron Vissia
FEMALE MIDGET THUNDER MAKE THE FINAL GAME
CUPE Female Midget Thunder, “We won today,” (Saturday, March 10th) against Nanaimo, 3 – 2. A really hard fought game. It was really good game, and considering we haven’t beat Nanaimo all season, AMAZING! Rachel Hansen, Mariah Westra and Krista Plaunt scored our goals, and Kendal McLellan was solid in net for the entire game! We will be playing in the final game for the Banner tomorrow in Oceanside 2:15 – 4:45 vs the winner of Comox and Cowichan who play in the other semi final game this afternoon.
It has been an amazing year for these midget girls, and considering all the controversy in Female Hockey at the beginning of this season, we have prevailed!
AV Female Midget Thunder from December '11 Tournament
Submitted by Leanne Savard
FEMALE BANTAM THUNDER MAKE PLAYOFFS
The Flooring Depot’s Bantam Thunder team made the Playoffs in Sooke. The first game is Saturday March 10th from 1:00-3:20. The winner from that round goes on to Sunday’s 1st and 2nd Place Game.
February was a rough month with their Goalie Sarah Dawson fracturing their arm. The team was lucky enough to be supportive of each other, and have Emma Eaton step up from PeeWee to help out. On February 26th they played won 5-2 against Victoria which clinched their place in the playoffs, and Emma did an amazing job in net! Great job done by the Bantam Thunder!
Submitted by Rhonda Dame
RECREATION HOCKEY – MID ISLAND PLAYOFFS
We are proud to have 7 recreation hockey teams in the playoffs in the Mid Island League. Here is a list of games the AVMHA teams playing in the Finals. Unfortunately none of the games are being played locally. This is an unofficial list. If there are any errors, please notify avmha.webadmin@shaw.ca
Error: Female Midget – March 10 – Female AV Midget vs Nanaimo should start at 12:30 and Comox vs Cow. Valley should start at 3:15.
FEMALE BANTAM THUNDER UPDATE…
The Flooring Depot Female Bantam Thunder played Victoria in Esquimalt on Saturday January 21st. Port Alberni won with a score of 6-2 against Victoria. Lyndsey Taylor scored a hat trick! The game ended with 2 minutes on the clock remaining due to an injury to one of our local players. She’ll be ok, but will have to sit out the next few games. Their next game is Saturday January 28th in Juan de Fuca.
It has been a great year for the girls so far. The girls have been working together as a team which has proven itself to be a strong factor in their game play.
Submitted by Rhonda Dame
FEMALE MIDGET THUNDER UPDATE…
Action around Alberni Valley net minder Kendal McLellan.
On Sunday January 22, the AV CUPE Female Midget Thunder faced off against their toughest opponent in the Female Island League, the number one ranked Comox Valley. Having not lost a game all season, Comox had outscored their opposition 57 – 8. Less than 3 minutes into the game, Comox had one on the scoreboard. But the Thunder had come to play, and with 4:30 minutes left in the first and on a power play, Krista Plaunt evened the score, assisted by Shayla Frechette and Whitnie Senger.
And that was the way the score remained heading into the third period. Backed by exceptional goal tending by Kendal McLellan, who stopped 27 of the 28 shots she faced, the team skated hard and kept Comox at bay. With 40 seconds left in the game, Mariah Westra put the Thunder ahead, assisted by Shayla Frechette and Nikki Buffie. Comox pulled their goalie and fought hard to even the score, but with 11 seconds remaining, Mariah Westra took a pass from Carly Gill and put the final marker into an empty net. A hard fought and well deserved win for the girls, with every player putting out 100% every time they stepped on the ice. They made their coaches and parents proud!!
After the go-ahead goal: (l - r) Rachel Hansen, Shayla Frechette, Nikki Buffie, Carly Gill, Mariah Westra.
Krista Plaunt breaks away from two Comox defenders to score the tying goal in the first.
One happy team!!
Submitted by Shelley Arnfield
Photos by Barb Anderson
ATOMS PRACTICE
Tuesday, Jan. 17th, 2012.
AVMHA Atom House teams, Magic Moments – Red Bulls and Scotiabank – Blackhawks, took the ice for a regular practice.
I spoke with 2 of the Red Bulls players, Gage and Sean. They told me that they are working on their crossovers, stick handling and wrist shots. When asked, who on their team has the most fun playing hockey, they agreed it is Travis and Davis.
Gage’s favorite hockey player is Ryan Kessler and Sean’s favorite is Sidney Crosby.
They are looking forward to going to a tournament in Comox.
BANTAM COYOTES PRACTICE
Wednesday afternoon and the Alberni Valley News Bantam Coyotes have the ice to themselves for a practice. The team has been to 3 tournaments this season (Lake Cowichan, Powell River & Nanaimo). They placed second in the Lake Cowichan tournament. They did not know the exact standings in league play, but they are happy with the number of winning games.
They have a good team and good leader in their captain, Nick Ross. The best player at stick handling – Jaden. The player with the best wrist shot – Nick. The most enthusiastic player – Kaden.
NOVICE PRACTICE
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012 Haggard’s Trucking Novice Red Devils practiced on the Weyerhaeuser Arena with their coach Wade Nicklin. Talking with some team players they said they have played a lot of games and so far, undefeated. They have not been to a tournament but hope to go to one this year. Here are a few photos from the practice.
MITES PRACTICE
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 the TimBits Mites Sharks and TimBits Mites Flyers took the ice for a regular one hour practice. Below are a few snapshots of the teams during the practice.
FEMALE BANTAM THUNDER
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The Flooring Depot Bantam Female Thunder just finished a game yesterday (Jan. 14th) against Juan de Fuca. Both teams were very well matched. In third period Bantam Thunder were up 3-1, goals had been scored by #10 – Lyndsey Taylor, #4 – Sophie Vanderlee, and #24-Kayla Groot. With only a few minutes left, JDF Grizzlies scored, making it 3-2. In the last minute, the Grizzlies pulled their goalie, however they put 7 women on the ice, receiving a 2 minute penalty for “Too Many Women”. With 3 seconds remaining, and short handed, the JDF Grizzlies scored tieing the game 3-3. An exciting exhibition game down to the last second!
Submitted by Rhonda Dame, Bantam Thunder Manager
NOVICE PLAY CAMPBELL RIVER
Our Haggard Trucking Novice Devils team coached by Brian Vallee went to Campbell River for a Jamboree the weekend of Jan.14 and 15. We won all four games with scores: 6-1, 7-2, 9-2 and 8-2. All 4 games where against different Campbell River teams It was a great weekend with some great hockey. They played so well and made amazing passing and plays. Real team work!
During the Christmas Break, the Novice Devils went to a tourney in Nanaimo, Dec. 27 & 28th. They played 4 games with a record of 3 wins and 1 tie. Another great job!
AVMHA Novice Devils in Campbell River
Proud sponsor of the AVMHA Novice Devils
Submitted by Kellie Steel
BANTAM BRUINS WIN GOLD IN PORT MCNEILL
Alberni’s K&F Roofing Bantam Bruins are having a great season so far. In league play, we are undefeated, however one game was a tie (against the Alberni Bantam Coyotes). The team is playing very well together, under the coaching of Rob Cole and Mark Addy. Our team Captain is Carson Nicholson and Assistants Danial Tavares & Logan Henson.
We attended one tournament in Port McNeill in November, where we took first place. More information on the Port McNeill Bantam Tournament – North Island Gazette-Nov 24/11.
Bantam Bruins win Gold in Port McNeill Tournament
Proud Sponsors of the Bantam Bruins
Submitted by Renee Tavares
FEMALE MIDGET – Tournament Update
During the Christmas break, the CUPE 118 Female Midget Thunder competed in the Oceanside Icebreaker Female Tournament, December 27 – 29 along with teams from Comox, Sooke, Victoria, Kerry Park and North Shore. Port Alberni brought home the bronze medal after playing some of their best hockey of the season.
The only loss for the team came in their first game vs North Shore. They took a 1 -1 tie into the third period but lost 4 -1, with the fourth being scored into an empty net. Brenna Cox was outstanding on defense and was awarded the game MVP. North Shore went on to win the tournament in a shoot-out victory over Comox.
Two wins followed in the round robin play, 5 – 2 vs Kerry Park and 6 – 3 vs Victoria. Rachel Hansen, with a hat trick against Kerry Park, and Faith Lariviere were named game MVP’s.
Port Alberni finished second in their pool and played for the bronze medal against Victoria. It was a decisive 10 – 2 win with Britney Savard scoring 4 goals for the Thunder and Mariah Westa adding another 3. Carly Gill took game MVP honours.
CUPE 118 Female Midget Thunder Team with Bronze Medals
Thanks to CUPE 118 and AAA Sports Photography for their sponsorship of the team this year.
Submitted by Shelley Arnfield
Game Photos credit to Barb Anderson
Team Photo: Leanne Savard
FEMALE MIDGET Update…
The AAA Photography Female Midget Thunder are heading into the Christmas break with a 4-2-0 record.
Two of these wins came on the Dec 17/18 weekend as league play wrapped up for the break. On Saturday December 17 the girls played in Kerry Park, winning 6-0. Rachel Hansen and Kaitlyn Heck led the scoring with 2 goals each. Mariah Westra and Krista Plaunt added singles. Kendal McLellan had a strong game in net recording her first shut out in league play this year.
On Sunday December 18, the Thunder played Victoria at home and recorded a 6-3 win with Josey Watson in the net. Goals were scored by Mariah Westra (2), Shayla Frechette (2), Faith Lariviere and Krista Plaunt.
The team is playing in the Oceanside tournament on Dec 27-29.
Thanks go out to coaches Andre Savard, Heather Senger, Jordan Dowling and team manager Leanne Savard for the great start to the season this year.
Sponsor of the Female Midget Thunder Team
Submitted by:
Shelley Arnfield
Female Division Manager
AVMHA at the Bulldogs Game
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs treated the players at Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association with complimentary tickets for the Bulldogs afternoon game on Sunday, December 11th Vs the Langley Rivermen. Approximately 100 AVMHA players from Mites, Novice, Atom & Pee-Wee Divisions were in the stands cheering on the team; many with their faces painted “Bulldog” colours and waved hand drawn signs. Some of the players received Bulldog merchandise and one team won mini Bulldog hockey sticks for being the loudest team.
AVMHA thanks the AV Bulldogs for inviting the players and look forward to the next “AVMHA Day”.
AVMHA President Al McCulloch, with a many of the AVMHA players
