A half-century of pillage and plunder erased.
Port Coquitlam minor hockey (PCMHA) is revelling in finding its first, long-awaited gold medal from a BC Hockey championship, thanks to a dedicated group of young swashbucklers.
The Pirates U15 squad seized the opportunity to win the local association's first provincial title in its 50-year history, successfully defeating the Sea-to-Sky Bears 5-4 in the Tier 2 tournament final last Thursday (March 23).
"This is a truly remarkable achievement for our U15 A1 Pirates," said Steph Wagner, PCMHA President, in a statement sent to the Tri-City News.
"The players showed tremendous dedication, perseverance and talent throughout the season, and their hard work has paid off with this incredible win. We are extremely proud of them and are thrilled for them to have been a part of this historic moment for our association."
It also completes a campaign built on winning and determination after the same team claimed bronze in the 2022 championship, which, at the time, was the first provincials medal in PCMHA history.
This was also head coach Greg Ross' final year as he was recently named the bench boss of the Port Coquitlam Trailblazers for its inaugural Pacific Junior 'B' Hockey League (PJHL) season.
Ross was at the helm of the U15 Pirates for the last four years.
He also won a second consecutive regional championship with the purple and black prior to competing at provincials in Kelowna.
"Winning feels good," Ross said in a social media post following the championship victory.
"What a ride. What a group. Business finished."
"The U15 team's coaches, manager and officials deserve special recognition for their hard work and commitment to the team's success," added Wagner.
"They provided exceptional coaching and guidance to the players, instilling in them the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and dedication."
Forward Sebastien Brisebois scored a hat-trick in the gold medal game, and added an assist for a four-point performance.
He and alternate captain Chase Hemmerling-MacLean led the Pirates at Tier 2 provincials with 13 points each in five games.
Hemmerling-MacLean recorded two helpers in the championship, while Jared Whidden potted the game-winner on a power-play with 4:25 left in regulation.
Goaltender Kieran Minor stood his ground despite a final push from the Bears. He won all three of his starts, and fellow netminder Soufyan Shaheem backstopped to two victories in the Pirates 5-0 trophy run.
The game-by-game results were as follows:
- 5-4 win over Sea-to-Sky (final)
- 8-1 win over Kelowna (semifinal)
- 7-1 win over Penticton
- 6-2 win over Williams Lake
- 8-0 win over Greater Trail
