Seven teams from Cochrane, Nelson, Kimberley, Castlegar, Cranbrook (two) and Creston entered the bantam Cranbrook tournament on the weekend.
Creston’s first game on Friday was against league rival Kimberley. Brendan Christian-son was moved from defence to play left wing and Issac Janzen was moved to help fill the gap in defence. Kimberley battled back and forth with Creston for the lead but Creston played hard and mostly tried to keep out of the penalty box. Creston persisted and played with good discipline to earn two points, but lost defenceman Kyle Goldbeck for the rest of the tournament.
Creston next played Nelson in an early Saturday morning game that ended with a win for Nelson. Creston could only get three goals, which were not enough to win. Owen Blackmore scored, assisted by Otto Blackmore, followed by Zack King from Jayden Gigliotti and Otto, and then another by Owen from Otto and Gigliotti.
After a two-hour break, Creston played another game, this one against Castlegar, which Creston had played in a Trail tournament in December and lost in the third period. A great game was played by all players. The first goal was by Gigliotti, assisted by Janzen and Owen, and the next goal was by King, assisted by Otto and Laredo Blackmore. Those were followed by a goal by Owen, assisted by Otto and Kristi Blackmore, and a great goal by Jacob Endersby, assisted by King. Another goal was by Christianson, assisted by Otto. Creston was down 6-5, but a late goal by Owen ended the game in a tie, for one point.
Sunday’s early morning game was against Cochrane. Creston played well and the coaches told the players that they needed to win and with some great discipline, as a win would mean a tie with Cranbrook; however, Cranbrook’s previous game was riddled with penalties — 29 minutes worth. Advancing to the third and fourth place playoff game meant winning with almost no penalties.
During the game against Cochrane, Creston lost Endersby for the rest of the tournament. Goals were scored by Gigliotti, assisted by Otto, and Otto, assisted by Jessie Dewald and Christianson. Those were followed by another by Christianson, assisted by King and Janzen, and a final one unassisted by Owen. The team won 6-4 with a disciplined style of hockey and only one two-minute penalty.
Castlegar was in the playoffs with six points and there was a three-way tie for second. Creston, having the fewest penalties of the second place teams, advanced to the playoff round for first and second against Castlegar.
The players were on fire. The Creston players moved the puck well and kept their heads up during the entire game. Creston started off the scoring, with Castlegar getting one back quickly. Creston remained focused and played some great defence, passing the puck well in the offensive zone.
Creston earned another goal from Gigliotti. King got a great breakaway and headed to the net but a quick acting defenceman lifted his stick at the last second. King did not get a shot off, but the goalie, anticipating a shot, accidentally let the puck get by him and Creston had a lead again. Castlegar had plenty of penalties in the second and third periods. Creston got another goal by Owen, and the Bruins held on to the lead until the end of the game, winning 6-2 and first place overall in the tournament. Great goaltending came from Christopher Mulder and Scott Doeleman.
Creston can be very proud of the Bruins, as they played well and, most of all, had lots of fun. The team would also like to thank Dave Wigen, who has been assisting the team as a goalie coach.
The next game is in Whitefish, Mont. The team is also preparing for league playoffs, to be held in Kimberley at the end of the month.
— CRESTON VALLEY MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION