Sunday marked Day 5, Championship Sunday, of the U16 National Championships in Calgary, Alberta. After 4 long days of hard fought games, the lineups were all set for what was sure to be some fantastic hockey.
The first game of the day featured the battle of BC. BC Yellow took on BC White in the final consolation game of the tournament. After a long week of games, both teams were showing the affects of fatigue. Moments before halftime BC White was able to take the lead as Sarah Lilley scored off a goal mouth scramble. BC Yellow was able to equalize in the 50th minute with a goal from Cordel Tromp as she broke away from the defenders and came on 1-on-1 with the keeper. The score finished at 1-1.
Game 2 of the day was the men’s bronze medal match between Quebec and Ontario White. It was a high scoring affair as Quebec was able to take a 2-0 lead into the half with goals from Isaac Farion and Flynn McCulloch. Ontario Red was able to equalize with 2 of their own through Reilly O’Brien and Jeremie Fradette-Roy. Each team exchanged goals in the last 10 minutes to bring the score to 3-3 at the end of regulation. In the shootout, Ontario Red’s goalkeeper stood tall and they were able to take the bronze medal 2-1.
The third match of the day was the women’s bronze game between Alberta and Ontario White. With a large crown behind the Alberta girls, they came out of the gates strong with some very nice build-up play. Alberta was able to open the scoring in the 46th minute after a goal from Holly Richmond. Ontario White was able to equalize 1 minute before the final horn sounded to take the game to a shootout. Alberta was able to win the shootout, and the Bronze, 2-1 after a strong performance by goalkeeper Kimberly Scott.
Game 4 of the day was the much anticipated gold medal match. Ontario Red was taking on BC Blue for all the marbles. With the teams playing strong offensively and defensively, it was a free flowing game from the opening whistle. In the 29th minute, Ontario Red’s Grace Davis was able to finish off a well worked penalty corner to take the lead into the halftime break. In the second half Ontario Red put up a defensive wall. They were able to hold off BC Blue to win the gold medal 1-0.
The final match of the day was the men’s gold medal match between Alberta and BC. With a large hometown crowd behind them like their female counter parts, the teams played a highly entertaining match. BC was able to take the lead in the 30th minute after a goal from Roopkanwar Dhillon. They went ahead by 2 in the 63rd minute with a well structured counter-attack goal by Harvir Malhi. Alberta was able to cut the lead in half in the 68th minute after Shazab Shahzad was able to finish a penalty corner. With furious last minute pressure against them, BC was able to hold off Alberta 2-1 to win the men’s gold medal.
Special thanks goes out to Field Hockey Alberta for hosting a phenomenal U16 event. With over 100 volunteers across the 5 days, it was truly spectacular to see the Calgary field hockey community come together to welcome 12 teams and host a tournament for the ages.
Boys Final Standings:
- BC
- Alberta
- Ontario White
- Quebec
- Ontario Red
Girls Final Standings:
- Ontario Red
- BC Blue
- Alberta
- Ontario White
- BC Yellow
- BC White
- Quebec
