It was a medal finish for the Bonavista atom hockey team in provincial competition.
Playing in front of their home fans at the Cabot stadium the team skated off with the Provincial Atom ‘E’ silver medals.
Despite being shut out by Straits in the final, the coaching staff says the team played with lots of heart and energy.
They opened the tournament with a 7-5 win over Trinity Placentia. On day two they got by Lake Melville 7-5 but dropped a close 3-2 decision to St. John’s in their second game of the day.
A win against Stephenville on the final day of the tournament earned them a berth in the final against the Straits team.
“Our boys were more than delighted to win a silver medal,” says tournament convener Lori O’Brien. “Prior to the provincial tournament the team hadn’t played any games. We had two invitational tournaments planned during the winter but they were cancelled due to bad weather. So the provincial tournament was the first time the team played anyone from outside the area.”
While there is a provincial title on the line O’Brien says the atom level tournament is more a fun event for the players.
“We had activities planned for all the teams at the banquet that went over really well,” she says. “Winning a silver made it that more special.”
Another positive from the tournament says O’Brien were the comments from the parents and coaches. One parent in particular from the Lake Melville minor hockey association made a point of sending an email to the tournament convener thanking the Bonavista association for their hospitality.
“I would like to take this opportunity to offer you, your volunteers and the officials a huge thank you. Please extend another huge thank you to your husband Danny, the kids really enjoyed their banquet and have gained lots of fond memories and friendships in Bonavista,” says Natasha Canning in her e-mail. “The parents also enjoyed and appreciated the wonderful spread of food made by the parents of your association. Your hospitality was second to none and will be hard to beat. On behalf of the Lake Melville Minor Hockey Association, thank you so much.”
