Quebec follows U15 boys’ golden footsteps with back-to-back tournament victories
The final day of U18 competition kicked off late in the morning with the men’s bronze medal match between BC Rams and Alberta, two sides who proved exactly why there were there in the semi-final matches leading up. BC Rams suffered a heartbreaking loss yesterday after a shootout against Ontario CW, whereas Alberta dropped four goals in the second half of their matchup with Quebec. It was a do-or-die situation for both teams as they fought for the last medal position, and it certainly didn’t go down without a high level of excitement.
BC Rams took the lead early on with a goal in the 8th minute from a penalty corner but Alberta bounced back to tie the game 2-2 at the beginning of the second half. However, Alberta’s efforts fell short as the Rams scored thrice more for the 5-2 result. Rams goalie Ethan McTavish stated that his team came back hungrier than they did in the semi-finals in order to secure the bronze medal.
“This time we went out there with more of a goal and we had better intentions,” he said. Our overall organization was a lot better, and I think the most important thing to do after a hard loss is to do something fun with your team. It’s okay to think about [yesterday’s match], but don’t let it get you down.”
BC Rams teammate and forward Johnny Jacoby added that Alex Bale, the BC Rams head coach, was crucial in helping the team move forward. He said, “[Bale’s] one of my favourite coaches that I’ve ever had. He makes the game really fun and he’s always in really good spirits. It’s always a good time with him.”
Watching from the sidelines were Quebec and Ontario CW as they prepared to take the pitch for the gold medal game. Quebec was hoping to follow the U15 boys into their first-ever tournament victory and make history. On the other hand, Ontario CW, led by Zeeshan Minhas, had their eyes set on the prize.
“Quebec is a pretty developed team,” Minhas said. “They’re fit. They move the ball well and are very strong offensively. We have to do a bit of thinking before we face them because they’re really good.”
And good they were. After a nail-biting first half that saw Quebec take the lead with a two-goal advantage from well-set penalty corners, Ontario CW notched a 47th-minute goal which gave the team one last push for the final quarter. The two teams fought until the bitter end but Ontario was kept out by a determined Quebec defence. The final result: 2-1.
Quebec Head Coach Bill Syrros knew that it would be a tight game given that the two teams met each other often throughout the year. However, watching the U15 boys secure the gold acted as an inspiration for his side.
“It’s a clean sweep for Quebec. We actually had three or four of their players playing for us on the U18 squad so they brought their magic with them. For all the boys who’ve won this U18 tournament — these guys have been together since the beginning so it’s a very deserving finish.”
As the U18 tournament wrapped up, Quebec midfielder Robert Campe found himself reflecting on the once-in-a-lifetime experience before joining his teammates in celebration. “It’s a great experience to play hockey in Canada…Quebec is a pretty young province in hockey and I hope we keep moving forward in the years to come.”
Rams come atop in BC showdown against the Stags to secure gold
It was a foregone conclusion at the beginning of the day that a BC team would be standing atop the podium in the U18 women’s division. The only remaining question before the gold medal match was who? The Vancouver Island-based Stags or the undefeated Rams.
The teams met in pool play with the Rams getting the better of the Stags 2-0 and they were looking to repeat that performance. Alissa Wong opened the scoring in the ninth minute pushing the Rams ahead. The real turning point was just after half when Stags’ goalie Taylor Guy went down with an injury. The result, the Stags played essentially the entire second half with a kicking back and no keeper.
Despite some surges of pressure from the Stags, the Rams held on free of drama to win the gold 4-0 avenging their last season loss in the finals. The gold medal was especially sweet for Rams’ goalkeeper, Aerin Park, who had a nationals bronze and two silvers to her name prior to this event. She said the team’s attitude and composure throughout the event helped push them to the title.
“We came to this tournament with the goal of winning while keeping a positive environment,” she said. “We kept each other accountable and kept each other up, and that was important for us.”
Park, who put up an all-class performance throughout the event, was named to the Tournament-11 all-star team along with teammate Wong. The BC Rams only allowed one goal throughout the event, which was a testament to the team defense and tremendous goalkeeping.
Julie King, the program director for all British Columbia-based teams said it was a proud moment seeing how many BC squads have reached the podium so far this week. Including the U15 division, BC has six medals.
“It’s pretty thrilling to watch some of the kids that I’ve seen over the years perform at a high level and get good results,” King said. “It’s a testament to the work that was put in at FHCBC before I was in the position.”
For her, these events are only partially about the results. They also play a major role in shaping the futures for some of these athletes.
“This type of travel tournament is an intense week,” she said. “It’s an intense competition and it sets them up for their next experience if that is national team or university play. There hopefully won’t be any surprises for them. They’ll be prepared.”
Ontario Central pulled out a gutsy win against the BC Lions in the bronze medal game joining the Stags and Rams on the podium. For game-by-game results from the women’s U18 division, visit the Field Hockey Canada tournament page.
UMPIRE PROFILE OF THE DAY
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- Amy Hollingsworth
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- Trevor Martin
Amy Hollingsworth
Peterborough, Ontario
How did you first get into umpiring?
I was recruited to umpire in my youth by former Olympic and World Cup Umpire Margaret Lansing and continued my mentorship with Mary Cicinelli.
Why Nationals?
Nationals brings everyone together to showcase so many positives about our sport from logistics, officiating, and skillful games to team building and forging lifelong friendships.
What do you think is the most valuable about youth sports?
Youth sport provides an excellent platform to develop leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence in our athletes. These are all essential qualities that transfer to boardrooms and develop good citizens who care about the world around them.
Favourite ice cream flavour?
Death by Chocolate or Moose Tracks.
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Trevor Martin
Mount Elgin, Ontario
How did you first get into umpiring?
I got into umpiring after playing for a number of years. I thought I would put something back into the sport.
Why Nationals?
I wanted to give back to field hockey and I’m hoping to pick up some tips from Alan [Waterman] and the other umpire managers so that I can transition into that role at some point in time. But mostly it’s about giving back to the grassroots level.
What do you think is the most valuable about youth sports?
GIving them a chance to develop in a national tournament so that they can, if they choose to make the choice, transition into higher levels like the National Team.
Favourite thing about field hockey?
The friendships.
