Down in the valley, out on the ice
Neatly tucked beneath the scorching sun, within the knolls and handsome waterways of wine country, lies an unsuspecting hockey hotbed
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May 11, 2014
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Welcome to the Okanagan, where Canada’s national pastime thrives beyond belief.
In the short, three-and-a-half-hour journey from Sicamous to Osoyoos, you’ll encounter the game at every turn. Representing the Western Hockey League, Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, Canadian Sport School Hockey League and British Columbia Hockey League, 12 teams and a litany of potential can be found in the valley, fencing the boroughs with boards, glass and the moxie of an impassioned community.
“Everybody knows everybody, and everybody plays hockey,” Nashville Predators defenceman Shea Weber says of his hometown, which has a population of about 3,000.
The 28-year-old product of Sicamous, B.C., spent many a minor hockey season patrolling the waters – of the frozen sort, mind you – in the Houseboat Capital of Canada.
“We only had about 10 or 12 players on our team every year, so the talent was concentrated. It was the same group of kids every season, too. In a community like that, we all grew up together and played all the time, whether it was outside – on the streets or on an outdoor rink – or indoors at the [Sicamous and District] Rec Centre.
“It seemed like hockey was always one of the main attractions in that area.”
Honestly, it is.
Throngs of developing athletes converge on the valley every summer to participate in the Okanagan Hockey School, a world-renowned program that began in 1963 and now operates in six locations across Canada. In addition, the OHS directs the Okanagan Hockey Academy, which runs year-round in Penticton and is responsible for developing many of the province’s elite, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the BCHL, WHL, NCAA and more.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Vernon Vipers owner Dr. Duncan Wray says. “We’re pretty lucky to have such incredible development programs in this area. It’s a unique situation, too, because so many of the players that come through the system and play with us are born, they grow up and develop their game all here, in our very own backyard.”
Literally, in Weber’s case.
Shea’s father, James, a mill worker by day, coached him as a youngster growing up. That booming shot of his didn’t develop itself, after all. Farming it among the many teachings, a quaint, scratch-built training ground, fuelled by the hard work and dedication James demanded.
The target, a collection of puck-battered soup cans bound in the corners of a crummy old net in the Weber family backyard. Repetition was key. It became somewhat of a muster point, a haven for the town’s elite to come develop their game; Cody Franson, Colin Fraser, Kris Beech and other professionals-in-the-making spent countless hours, day and night, pummeling pucks off the humbly crafted plywood playing surface.
Boy, it sure was worth it.
Buoyed by all the extra time and attention spent honing his craft on the proverbial backyard rink, he moved on to play for the hometown Eagles of the KIJHL at the age of 16. In 2001-02, he led his team to a near-perfect record of 43-5-1-1, winning both the Cyclone Taylor Cup provincial title and Keystone Cup as Western Canadian Junior B champions.
The very next season, Weber began his career with the Kelowna Rockets, launching an incredible stretch in which he appeared in three straight Memorial Cups, culminating in the 2004 national championship.
And the rest, they say, is history.
While Fraser was immediately promoted to the WHL, both Franson and Beech decided on the KIJHL, playing alongside Weber with the Sicamous Eagles. And they weren’t the only ones to have discovered this track. Ray Ferraro (Trail Smoke Eaters), Adam Deadmarsh (Beaver Valley Nitehawks), Chuck Kobasew (Osoyoos Heat), Brad Lukowich (Cranbrook Colts) and Steve Passmore (Grand Forks Border Bruins) are just a few of the one-time KIJHL superstars that went on to have successful NHL careers.
For many, the pinnacle of stardom began here, in the hillocks of paradise.
Justin Schultz of the Edmonton Oilers grew up in nearby Westbank (now West Kelowna), not far from the Rockets’ home at Prospera Place in Kelowna. It was there on the left-hand shores of Lake Okanagan where he discovered his true calling, toggling back to the blue-line after years on the wing and even a brief stint between the pipes as a youngster.
Schultz, Weber and thousands of other valley-born athletes grew up playing in the Okanagan Minor Hockey Association, an organization that offers a variety of programs to kids, male and female, of all ages and skill levels.
Once he was old enough, the BCHL became the ducat of choice for the future Oiler, spending parts of three seasons with the Westside Warriors.
“It was a special place to play,” he said. “We didn’t have much in the way of outdoor rinks. But when it did get super chilly – and that usually happened a couple times a year – the lakes were packed. Places like Kelowna, Vernon, Sicamous, Penticton … they’re resort towns, vacationer hot spots in the summertime.
“When the weather cools and we head into the winter months, hockey is the thing to do.”
Forty-five minutes north on Highway 97, it’s more of the same with another BCHL squad. Wray – today, a B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee – has owned the Vipers since 1992, when he left Saskatchewan for the ride of a lifetime. In his 22 years at the helm, he’s beheld the passion of the Okanagan like no other.
“We're in a small enough community that Vipers games are the premier event to attend in the winter time. Everyone, and I mean everyone, rallies around this team,” Wray said.
Drawing from a population of about 38,000, the Vipers are consistently among the league leaders in attendance, averaging approximately 2,000 fans per game over the past six seasons. Up against the likes of Penticton, West Kelowna, Salmon Arm, Trail and Merritt, it’s an accomplishment Wray is particularly proud of.
That, coupled with the team’s commitment to winning has cemented the Vipers’ status one of the country’s most successful and highly regarded Junior A franchises. In the last two decades, Wray’s club has won seven BCHL championships, six Doyle Cup titles, 12 Interior Division pennants and three regular-season crowns.
Producing a number of NHLers, including Vancouver Canucks forward Mike Santorelli in the process, only adds to the club (and the region’s) many successes.
The biggest source of pride for club ownership has come in their ability to land U.S. college scholarships. In the past 17 years, they’ve had 101 players continue on with their playing careers and secure an education south of the border.
“That’s the goal of every organization at this level, to get our players to that level,” Wray said. “There’s plenty of opportunity for our players to move on, have success there and ultimately become good pros down the road.”
Schultz, 22, is among them, having studied Life Sciences and Communications before being drafted by the Anaheim Ducks and eventually signing with Edmonton. This career path might not have been possible if his journey had begun anywhere else but the Okanagan.
“It’s amazing how many players come through the [BCHL program],” Schultz said. “It’s not like the Okanagan is a particularly big place or anything, but the amount of talent that comes through is pretty incredible. I’m not sure if there’s a better place to develop, when you consider how competitive it is across every level and every league.”
As a whole, the BCHL has had a hand producing the likes of Bob Nystrom, Glenn Anderson, Brett Hull, Cliff Ronning, Mark Recchi, Paul Kariya, Jamie Benn, Duncan Keith and a host of other NHL stars over the years.
The list goes on, and will for years to come with every league in the region. Hockey is as big, or bigger, in the Okanagan as it is anywhere else in Canada.
That’s some kind of passion down in the valley. Remarkable, really.
© Michelle Malvaso / OJHL Images
Clarke gets his second chance
With a new team and a new opportunity, Oakville Blades co-captain Sean Clarke wants to to erase the memories of 2023 at the Centennial Cup
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February 29, 2024
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When Scott McCrory began building the team that would host the 2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, the Oakville Blades head coach and general manager went looking for veteran leadership.
It didn’t take him long to find Sean Clarke.
The Mississauga native was one of the first acquisitions of the new season, coming over from the Collingwood Blues in early July to bolster a lineup that was the youngest in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) last season.
📣 Acquisition Alert! 📣 Welcome to 2003 forward and Buckland Cup Champion, Sean Clarke for the 2023-24 season!#OBladesHky #GoBladesGo #CentennialCup2024 pic.twitter.com/dwSLxvx8J7
— Oakville Blades (@OakvilleBlades) July 15, 2023
McCrory was tipped off by associate coach Jason Ward, whose son Eric played AAA hockey with Clarke with the Vaughan Kings. Ward would occasionally drive Clarke to practice and Clarke’s mother Shellie served as team manager, so he knew just what type of player and person the Blades were getting.
“He’s a character kid, comes from a great family, and he’s a leader,” McCrory says of the 21-year-old. “He’s a fireball, tenacious on the puck and his forecheck is real good.”
Perhaps most importantly, Clarke has big-game experience. He helped Collingwood win the OJHL championship a year ago and make a run to the quarterfinals of the Centennial Cup, chipping in with an assist in five games on the national stage.
Now he has another shot at glory with the Blades.
“On the ice, off the ice, it's all about consistency,” Clarke says of what it will take to be successful. “You can't win in the playoffs if you're not consistent. It's all the little details that will lead you to your end goal.
“And you have to have belief. There has to be belief in your locker room in a common goal, which is to win. If you have guys going on their own path, it won't work. But if everyone's pulling in the same direction, things will go well.”
Wearing the ‘C’ with the Blades this season (he is actually co-captain alongside goaltender Gavin McCarthy), Clarke has been terrific – he sits third in Oakville scoring with 48 points (12-26—48) in 49 games, more than double the 20 he recorded last year with the Blues and 11 more than his previous career high set with the North York Rangers in 2021-22.
Leader on the ice? Check. Leader in the dressing room? Check.
Now all that’s left is to finish the job at the Centennial Cup.
Clarke remembers all too well his emotions after the Blues fell 4-2 to the Ottawa Jr. Senators last May in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. It’s something that continues to motivate him.
“It's a feeling of heartbreak and let down that you carry with you,” he says. “And it's a personal vendetta that you want to achieve that goal that you weren't able to last year. To get so close but fall short, it's just a hard feeling that keeps you up for a little bit.”
The road to redemption for Clarke starts May 10 when the Blades take on the Maritime Hockey League champions in their preliminary-round opener at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.
Tickets for the 2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, are on sale now, with 25-game tournament packages available.
Blades set sights on home stretch
Four months before they host the 2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, the Oakville Blades are ready to make their move in the Ontario Junior Hockey League
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January 18, 2024
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With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror and their roster set, the Oakville Blades have turned their attention to the Road to the Centennial Cup.
The Blades, who will play host to Canada’s National Junior A Championship at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex from May 9-19, made a handful of moves prior to the Jan. 10 deadline as they look to finish strong in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
Oakville’s deadline-day acquisitions were both picked up with an eye towards offence; Noah Tyrrell was the leading scorer with the North York Rangers with 37 points (17-20—37) in 32 games, while Kenny Belanger comes over from the Soo Eagles of the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) after posting 43 points (22-21—43) in 34 games.
The Blades also acquired Kyle Kussmann from the Leamington Flyers on Jan. 8, providing depth to the forward unit.
While the defence has been terrific – Oakville is one of four OJHL teams to allow less than 100 goals thus far (it’s fourth with 94) and goaltender Gavin McCarthy has fashioned a 2.58 goals-against average and .927 save percentage (good for fourth in the OJHL) – the offence is looking for another gear down the stretch; the Blades rank 17th in the 24-team OJHL with 112 goals, a big reason they find themselves sixth in the West Conference with a 19-14-1-2 (W-L-T-OTL) record.
If they want to make a move up the standings, the Blades will have to be road warriors; they play 13 of their final 19 games away from Sixteen Mile. They’ll play seven games against the five teams ahead of them in the West, but also six against teams whose points percentage sit below .500.
Most of all, Oakville will need to find a little consistency in the final seven weeks of the regular season; since rolling off a season-high seven-game win streak from Sept. 27 to Oct. 13, the Blades have won more than two in a row only once, a three-game run from Dec. 19-22.
Oakville was well-represented at the OJHL All-Star Game last weekend, with McCarthy, Luke Johnston and Sean Clarke part of the West Conference roster. Johnston, the Blades’ leading scorer (15-24—39), finished with a goal and two assists in a 7-5 loss to the East Conference.
Clarke, an Oakville co-captain, will be leaned upon heavily as the Centennial Cup gets closer; he was a member of the Collingwood Blues a year ago when they won the OJHL title and made a run to the quarterfinals at the national tournament, registering an assist in five games before an off-season trade to the Blades. He has been very good in his first season in Oakville, posting 37 points (8-29—37) in 35 games.
The 2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, will mark the fourth appearance for the Blades at the national championship, all since 2008.
They missed out on the semifinals in 2008 and 2010 before making a run to the final four at the 2019 National Junior A Championship in Brooks, Alberta, dropping a narrow 2-1 decision to the Prince George Spruce Kings.
Oakville will be the last team to open its tournament, taking on the champions of the Maritime Hockey League to wrap up Day 2 of preliminary-round play on May 10. It will also face champions from the SIJHL, Manitoba Junior Hockey League and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in the prelims.
Ticket packages are on sale now, with options available for adults, seniors, children and families.
Schedules and ticket packages announced for spring events
Tickets available now for Esso Cup, TELUS Cup and Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons
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January 16, 2024
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CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has unveiled the schedules for the 2024 editions of the Esso Cup, TELUS Cup and Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, and announced that ticket packages for each tournament are on sale now.
“Hosting our spring events simply would not be possible without the dedicated and passionate volunteers and staff in Membertou, Oakville and Vernon, who have all invested a tremendous amount of time and resources into planning these tournaments,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact. “With the puck set to drop in each community in a few months, we are thrilled to launch ticket packages for all three events and reveal the tournament schedules.
“We are grateful to BC Hockey, Hockey Nova Scotia, the Ontario Hockey Federation and the three respective host communities for their efforts and support to deliver these events, and look forward to continuing to work with them into the spring.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at the Esso Cup, TELUS Cup or Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, can still sign up for one of the available positions to support the delivery of three of Hockey Canada’s marquee national championships.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada, will air select tournament games, with a full broadcast and streaming schedule to be announced at a later date.
2024 Esso Cup – Vernon, BC
This year, the Esso Cup will return to British Columbia for the first time since 2013, with the Thompson-Okanagan Lakers set to host Canada’s Women’s U18 National Club Championship, April 21-27 at Kal Tire Place in Vernon.
Joined by five regional champions from across Canada, the Lakers will play their first game on April 21 at 7 p.m. PT against the Atlantic winners, following matchups between the West and Ontario champions and Quebec and Pacific titlists earlier in the day.
The Lakers will also face the Pacific on April 22 at 7 p.m. PT, Ontario on April 23 at 3:30 p.m. PT, the West on April 24 at 10:00 a.m. PT and Quebec on April 25 at 7 p.m. PT.
After each team plays five preliminary-round games, the top four clubs will advance to the semifinals on April 26, with the medal games scheduled for April 27.
Tickets for the 2024 Esso Cup can be purchased here.
2024 TELUS Cup – Membertou, NS
The host Sydney Rush will welcome five regional champions to Membertou, Nova Scotia, for the 2024 TELUS Cup, which will take place April 22-28 at Membertou Sport & Wellness Centre.
Sydney opens its schedule against the Pacific champions on April 22 at 7 p.m. AT to finish a three-game opening day that also sees the Central winners face the Atlantic champs and Quebec titlists play the West champions.
The Rush will also play the West on April 23, Quebec on April 24, the Central on April 25 and the Atlantic on April 26. All games are at 7 p.m. AT.
The tournament semifinals are scheduled for April 27, before the medal games on April 28.
Tickets for the 2024 TELUS Cup are available now.
2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons – Oakville, ON
In partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and the Town of Oakville, Canada’s top Junior A teams will compete for the 2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, May 9-19 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario. The host Oakville Blades will be joined by nine champions from across the CJHL.
Teams will be separated into two groups and each play four preliminary-round games, with the quarterfinals scheduled for May 17, semifinals on May 18 and championship game on May 19.
Group A will include the champions from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Central Canada Hockey League, Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec, Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League and OJHL.
The host Blades and champions from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Maritime Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and Superior International Junior Hockey League will form Group B.
Oakville’s first preliminary-round game will be against the Maritime Hockey League champions on May 10, before playing the Superior International Junior Hockey League winners on May 11, Manitoba Junior Hockey League titlists on May 13 and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League victors on May 15.
All preliminary-round games featuring the Blades will be played at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons.
To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
RBC: YOR 4-CPC 3 (OT) Post-Game (Championship)
Derek Falloon scored his second overtime goal in four days, netting the winner at 15:01 of the extra period to complete the Terr
Hockey Canada confirms hosts for seven events
National and international tournaments will be hosted across five provinces in the 2023-24 season
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July 27, 2023
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CALGARY, AB – Hockey Canada has confirmed the dates and host communities for seven events taking place during the 2023-24 season, including the return of the National Women’s Under-18 Championship.
“Today is an exciting day for Hockey Canada as we announce seven events that play a critical role in the development of men’s, women’s and para hockey athletes, coaches and staff,” said Pat McLaughlin, chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “We hope that hosting these tournaments will help introduce new fans to the game, create lifelong memories for Canadians and have a positive impact in each community long after the medals have been handed out.”
The 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will be played Nov. 2-11 in Charlottetown and Summerside, PE, marking the first time in the tournament’s 37-year history that it will be hosted in the province.
Featuring some of the best young women’s hockey players in Canada, the 2023 National Women’s Under-18 Championship will run Nov. 5-11 in Dawson Creek, BC, bringing the event back to the Peace Region for the first time since 2012.
Canada’s National Para Hockey Team will compete for gold with three other countries at the 2023 Para Hockey Cup, which will be held Dec. 3-9 in Quispamsis, NB, marking the fourth Hockey Canada event that Quispamsis has hosted.
Top Canadian and international players will be showcased at the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge from Dec. 10-17 in Truro, NS, as the tournament returns to Atlantic Canada for the fourth time and to Truro for the second time.
In the spring, Canada’s Women’s U18 National Club Championship will be decided at the Esso Cup in Vernon, BC from April 21-27, while the Men’s U18 National Club Championship will be played April 22-28 in Membertou, NS.
The best Junior A teams in Canada will take to the ice at the 2024 Centennial Cup in Oakville, ON, with the Oakville Blades hosting the national championship from May 9-19.
“We are thrilled to share the list of communities that will host Hockey Canada events during the 2023-24 season,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of strategic partnerships and community impact. “The support we have received from host committees has been outstanding and we are confident that participants, volunteers, partners and fans will have fantastic experiences at each tournament.”
Ticket information for all seven events can be found here. Tournament schedules will be announced at a later date.
For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Brooks Bandits win 2023 Centennial Cup
Brooks rode a four-goal second period to a 4-0 win over Battlefords and a third-straight national title.
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May 21, 2023
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PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man.– The Brooks Bandits have won the 2023 Centennial Cup, claiming Canada’s 51st National Junior A Championship with a 4-0 win over the Battlefords North Stars on Sunday at Stride Place.
With the win, Brooks become the first team to win three consecutive national titles. It claimed the 2019 championship on home ice, and made it back-to-back title last year in Estevan, Sask. The tournament was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the Bandits have won a record 18 straight games at the tournament.
Hudson Malinoski (Saskatoon, Sask.) scored twice as part of a four-goal second period. Malinoski, Hunter Wallace (Oak Lake, Man.) and Heath Armstrong (Calgary, Alta.) scored goals in a span of 97 seconds midway through the second period to break open a scoreless game.
“This is an amazing feeling,” said Wallace, who finished with a goal and an assist. “Nobody has every three-peated before. I’m going to steal a line from our captain last year, who said ‘This is Brooks Bandits hockey, and this is what we do.’ I’m proud of this group, we knew the Stars were going to battle hard tonight and once we got one, we knew we were in control.”
Ethan Barwick (St. Albert, Alta.)made 30 saves for his second-consecutive shutout; he stopped all 22 shots he faced in a 3-0 semifinal win over the Ottawa Jr. Senators on Saturday.Brooks is the first team to ever post shutouts in the semifinal and championship game, and Barwick – who won his third national title – closed the tournament by not allowing a goal in his final 153 minutes of action.
“Every time you win it feels a little different,” said Brooks head coach Ryan Papaioannou. “I think last year’s win was a bit more stressful just with how the game went, but this one I feel like we controlled the third period very well. As coaches, we just sat back and trusted our guys to get the job done.”
Full game stats and story are available HERE on the Hockey Canada website.
Brooks finished first in the preliminary round in Group A with a perfect 4-0 record. It defeated the Yarmouth Mariners (7-2), Jr. Senators (5-1), Timmins Rock (9-1) and Cobras de Terrebonne (6-1) before its semifinal win over Ottawa.
The Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League will play host to the 52nd edition of the National Junior A Championship in May 2024, with final dates and format still to be finalized.
For more information on the 2023 Centennial Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook or Twitter.
RBC: Award winners announced; Stiliadis named MVP
The best of the 2014 RBC Cup were recognized Friday night in Vernon, with Dauphin Kings goaltender Michael Stiliadis earning Top
Centennial Cup Media Recap – May 20
The Brooks Bandits and Battlefords North Stars will face off for the National Junior A Championship
May 20, 2023
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Brooks Bandits 3, Ottawa Jr. Senators 0
- Dario Beljo (Sudbury, Ont.) scored twice.
- Aiden Fink (Calgary, Alta.) rounded out the scoring.
- Ethan Barwick (St. Albert, Alta.) made 22 saves.
Battlefords North Stars 7, Portage Terriers 1
- Holden Doell (Martensville, Sask.) had two goals and an assist.
- Jake Southgate (North Battleford, Sask.) had a goal and two assists.
- Josh Kotai (Abbotsford, B.C.) made 30 saves.
Next Game (Sunday, May 21):
- Championship Game – Battlefords North Stars vs. Brooks Bandits – 3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the championship game.
Quotes:
“I think the biggest advantage we have over everyone here is our experience and that showed tonight. We were in a similar situation versus Pickering in the final last year, actually down a goal though, and we stayed calm and got the job done. It’s kind of the same feeling on the bench, we’ve been here before and we know how to overcome it.”
- Beljo on playing in a one-goal game late.
“Sometimes you just need a bounce to go your way to get some confidence. Once we got the first one the guys got going. Portage didn’t have much left in the tank, and we wanted to jump on them early and we were able to do that. We’re excited about the result, but we aren’t done yet.”
- North Stars head coach Brayden Klimosko (Humboldt, Sask.) on the effort.
For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2023 Centennial Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Centennial Cup Media Recap – May 19
The Ottawa Jr. Senators and Portage Terriers advanced to the semi-finals with victories on Friday in Portage.
May 19, 2023
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Ottawa Jr. Senators 4, Collingwood Blues 2
- Mickael Hebert (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.) scored twice.
- Chase Lammi (Sudbury, Ont.) and Vincent Velocci (Toronto, Ont.) rounded out the scoring.
- Rorke Applebee (Châteauguay, Que.) made 32 saves.
Portage Terriers 2, Yarmouth Mariners 1
- Daniel Siso (Calgary, Alta.) and Brandon McCartney (Winnipeg, Man.) each had a pair of assists.
- Kian Calder (Portage la Prairie, Man.) scored the game winning goal.
- Bailey Monteith (Kamloops, B.C.) made 36 saves.
Next Games (Saturday, May 20):
- Semifinal #1 – Ottawa Jr. Senators vs. Brooks Bandits – 3:30 p.m. CT/4:30 p.m. ET
- Semifinal #2 – Portage Terriers vs. Battlefords North Stars – 7:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. ET
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the championship game on May 21 at 3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET. The semifinals can be livestreamed at HockeyCanada.ca .
Quotes:
“I like how we stuck with it all game. There were times when they had some intense pressure, but we bent and didn’t break. To give up the goal late in the period can be deflating emotionally, but we have great leaders in the room and guys that understand the big picture. We always say if there is time on the clock we believe in our group and that’s exactly how it played out tonight.”
- Jr. Senators head coach Kyle Makaric (LaSalle, Ont.) on his team’s victory.
“I think the fans will go home happy tonight. They saw us in a real hard-fought game. The powerplay has been clicking. You want the special teams to be good when they have to be. Last game it was our penalty kill and tonight it was the man advantage, they were good for us.”
- Siso on winning the special team’s battle.
For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2023 Centennial Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca , or follow along through social media on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
RBC: CPC 5-DAU 3 Post-Game (Semifinal)
Andy Sturtz had a break-out game with a goal and two assists, and Anthony McVeigh scored twice to help the Canadians move on to
Pak sets himself up for success
Capping off his final junior hockey season with the Collingwood Blues at the Centennial Cup, Noah Pak has a bright future – on and off the ice
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May 17, 2023
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For Collingwood Blues goaltender Noah Pak, playing in the blue paint wasn’t always his first choice. But that changed after he reluctantly strapped on the pads for the first time.
“No one wanted to play goalie in the first game of the year, so my dad volunteered me to do it,” Pak recalls. “I was upset about it, crying as I put on the pads, but I finished the game, I really enjoyed it and I was really glad my dad put me in there.”
It’s a decision that has been fruitful for Pak; the 19-year-old has developed into one of Canada’s top junior A netminders this season. Leading the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) with 16 wins, along with a sparkling 1.37 goals-against average and .947 save percentage, Pak backstopped the defensively sound Blues to their first-ever OJHL championship banner to qualify for the Centennial Cup .
“It’s been a dream for a lot of our players and our goal at the beginning of the year, to earn an opportunity to compete for a national championship,” Pak says about the National Junior A Championship. “I think we’re prepared and ready for it with the team around us, but also trying to soak it all in and really enjoy the experience at the national stage.”
The Oakville, Ont., native was named OJHL playoff MVP for his stellar play, but as much as he is getting the spotlight for his individual performance, he credits the team around him for pushing him to be the best version of himself, on and off the ice.
“The team and the culture in Collingwood have helped me develop as a player on the ice and as a person off the ice,” Pak says. “With our mindset, there was never a doubt in winning the championship, and with all those individual stats, they’re great, but at the end of the day, we’re all here to win as a team.”
Looking forward to the future
Off the ice, Pak is also preparing himself for what comes next. Committed to Yale University beginning in the fall, Pak understands the importance of keeping his career opportunities open, whether that is on the ice or beyond.
After showcasing his abilities at the Cottage Cup in Collingwood early in the pandemic-shortened 2021-22 season, Pak didn’t hesitate to commit to the Bulldogs when the opportunity arose.
“It was a no-brainer for me, with the program they run in terms of hockey but also on the education side of things, it’s second to none,” Pak says. “I’m looking out for my future once I’m finally done with hockey. It was definitely a surreal time for me and especially for my parents with everything that they’ve done for me, supporting me over the years.”
Although he doesn’t need to declare a major in his first year at Yale, Pak is interested in business and economics, but wants to keep his options open, whether that’s in hockey or school. Regardless of what path he chooses, Pak is thankful for all the support he’s received from his parents over the years.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without my parents,” he says. “They’ve put in countless hours driving and preparing me for games, the amount of money they’ve put into my gear and training, so whenever I kind of look back at my achievements, I’m always grateful.”
Pak’s parents, Dennis and Nancy, have always known their son is capable of looking after himself. Whether it was his commitment to preparation before games, his attitude to overcome challenges or his decision to go the NCAA route, they understood what hockey meant to him and the family’s bond strengthened because of it.
“His determination always stood out to us,” Dennis says. “He’s put in the
work into his training, he was determined to develop close to home in
Collingwood, and we’ve adapted our lifestyle around his hockey schedule. As
long as he’s happy, we’ll support his decisions and be there for him.”
As Pak takes the next step into his hockey career, at the Centennial Cup
this weekend and into a busy summer, he is understanding the importance of
becoming a leader in hockey as well. Growing up in Oakville, he has seen the
diversity of hockey grow and hopes that the trend continues.
“Hockey is a sport for everyone,” Pak says, who played AAA with the Oakville Rangers. “I’ve been lucky enough that my parents supported the decisions I made for myself and I think anyone can try to strap on the pads or lace on skates so if I can inspire even just one kid to pursue hockey as a career or even just as a hobby, that’s great because this is the best sport there is.”
While Pak is focused on bringing a national title back to Collingwood, he is also making sure he and his teammates are soaking in the experience together before they move onto the next stage of their lives.
“I look forward to the next chapter of my career and my life, and I want to be able to succeed at the next level as well,” Pak says. “I want to do great things at school and with the Bulldogs program, but I’m living in the moment and we’ll see where hockey takes me.”
Centennial Cup Media Recap – May 17
The Rock, Mariners and Terriers earned victories on the final day of prelim play at the Centennial Cup.
May 17, 2023
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Timmins Rock 2, Ottawa Jr. Senators 1 (SO)
- Patrick Boivin (Blind River, Ont.) made 36 saves and stopped all three shots in the shootout.
- Harry Clark (Timmins, Ont.) scored the shootout winner.
- Lucas Piekarczyk (Salmon Arm, B.C.) scored in regulation for Timmins.
Yarmouth Mariners 3, Cobras de Terrebonne 2
- Nathan Kelly (Paradise, N.L.) had a goal and an assist.
- Alex Roode (Dartmouth, N.L.) had two assists.
- Keegan Warren (Conception Bay, N.L.) made 28 saves.
Portage Terriers 4, Collingwood Blues 3
- Ryan Botterill (Portage la Prairie, Man.) scored two goals, including the game-winner.
- Kian Calder (Portage la Prairie, Man.) had two assists.
- Bailey Monteith (Kamloops, B.C.) made 40 saves.
Next Games (Friday, May 19):
- Quarterfinal #1: Collingwood Blues vs. Ottawa Jr. Senators – 3:30 p.m. CT/4:30 p.m. ET
- Quarterfinal #2: Yarmouth Mariners vs. Portage Terriers – 7:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. ET
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the championship game on May 21 at 3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET. The quarterfinals and semifinals can be livestreamed at HockeyCanada.ca .
Quotes:
“To end this tournament off with a win is a great way to send off the 20-year-olds on this team. They have put their heart and souls into their careers and it’s a great feeling to know they are going out with a good feeling. I can’t take any credit for this one. The guys in front of me did a heck of a job keeping the Senators to the outside and letting me see everything. I’m proud of this team and everything we’ve accomplished.”
- Boivin on his impressive performance to end the tournament.
“We haven’t played a full 60 minutes yet, and I thought today we did against a very good hockey club. All 20 guys battled hard, and we got some great goaltending. This is a big stage, and for a lot of these guys it’s something new. This is a great experience and there isn’t a guy in that room who didn’t leave it all out there.”
- Mariners head coach Laurie Barron (Kennettcook, N.S.) on his team’s effort.
“The boys were fired up to play. The crowd was nuts tonight and we fed off
it. It was not our most disciplined game that’s for sure, but our penalty
killers showed up and did it all. Guys were blocking shots and our goalie
was unbelievable. When he’s on his game its easy to play with confidence in
front of him.”
- Calder on the special teams adversity.
For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2023 Centennial Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca , or follow along through social media on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
RBC: YOR 6-VER 3 Post-Game (Semifinal)
Daylan Gatzke scored twice, Chase Norrish added a goal and an assist and Kale Thomson made 34 saves to help the Terriers advance
Centennial Cup Media Recap – May 16
The Blues, Bandits and North Stars all earned important victories at the National Junior A Championship.
May 16, 2023
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Collingwood Blues 4, Kam River Fighting Walleye 1
- Dylan Hudon (Rockwood, Ont.) had a goal and an assist.
- Mark McIntosh (Elora, Ont.) recorded two helpers.
- Noah Pak (Oakville, Ont.) made 22 saves.
Brooks Bandits 6, Cobras de Terrebonne 1
- Aiden Fink (Calgary, Alta.) had two goals and two assists.
- Elliot Dutil (Montreal, Que.) and Hudson Malinoski (Saskatoon, Sask.) each had a goal and two assists.
- Ethan Barwick (St. Albert, Alta.) made 20 saves.
Battlefords North Stars 3, Steinbach Pistons 1
- Holden Doell (Martensville, Sask.) had three assists.
- Steven Kesslering (Viceroy, Sask.) scored twice.
- Josh Kotai (Abbotsford, B.C.) made 30 saves.
- The win moves the North Stars into first place in Group B.
Next Games (Wednesday, May 17):
- Timmins Rock vs. Ottawa Jr. Senators – 11:30 a.m. CT/12:30 p.m. ET
- Yarmouth Mariners vs. Cobras de Terrebonne – 3:30 p.m. CT/4:30 p.m. ET
- Collingwood Blues vs. Portage Terriers – 7:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. ET
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the championship game on May 21 at 3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET. All preliminary-round games, quarterfinals and semifinals can be livestreamed at HockeyCanada.ca .
Quotes:
“It feels great to get the win. We came here with a goal in mind and we’re one step closer today. Clinching a playoff spot is only half the job though. We want to keep the momentum rolling now. We can’t take our foot off the gas or change the gameplan because of the meaning of the game on Thursday, we know it will be a tough test and our guys can’t wait.”
- Hudon on clinching a playoff spot with the win.
“This is the best tournament in the country, and you have to play well every night. Within our group you have to be at your best every day. Everyone on this team can step in and step up at any time and we saw that tonight when (Hunter) Wallace went down early. I thought we kept pushing regardless of the score and it was nice to get the win.”
- Fink on the Bandits’ next-man-up mentality.
“We gutted this one out tonight. Two intense games back-to-back were
wearing on our guys, for sure. We got some big saves from our goalie, and a
huge goal from (Kian) Bell and found a way. I think Kian scoring that goal
will be huge for his confidence and we need him. It was great to see.”
- North Stars head coach Brayden Klimosko (Humboldt, Sask.) on his club’s intensity.
For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2023 Centennial Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca , or follow along through social media on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
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2024 WWC: CAN 4 – CZE 0 (Semifinal)
2024 WWC: CAN 5 – SWE 1 (Quarterfinal)
2024 WWC: USA 1 – CAN 0 OT (Preliminary)
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