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UPDATE: Ridge Meadows Rustlers win Jim Lindsay Memorial Tourney

U-18 action at Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows arenas

Tis the season for minor hockey tourneys, and from Jan. 2 to 5 in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, the Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association hosted its annual Jim Lindsay Memorial Tournament.

The local teams had a lot of success, as the host Rustlers U-18 A1 team won the gold medal, beating the Oceanside Generals 4-3 in the final on Sunday.

RMMHA general manager Jordan Emmerson said Rustlers A1 head coach Mike Legg has his team playing good hockey.

"They've got a lot of talent, and they're starting to come together," said Emmerson. "Mike is amazing – it's his ability to get everyone, all of his players, on the same page. Everyone is part of a community, and everyone is respected and part of the team."

The Rustlers A1, got a fast start, with a 4-0 win over the Oceanside Generals on Thursday. Then on Friday morning they beat the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies by the same score, and on Saturday tied Vancouver 2-2.

The Rustlers U18 A2 team won the B pool championship, beating Langley A2 by a 4-2 score in the final. The U18 C1 team took gold in the B pool of the recreational division.

The rep tournament featured 10 teams hailing from across the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Kamloops. There was also a recreational division featuring another 15 teams.

"It was a great tournament, and it was a great tournament season," said Emmerson, referring to a huge Winter Round-Up Tournament that saw 76 recreational teams taking part from Dec. 27 to 30.

"Next up is the playoffs."

The Jim Lindsay Tournament is named for a man who coached at almost every level of the Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey association over 27 years. Lindsay and Spence Levan coached the Midget AAA team for 20 years, winning provincial gold and three silver. He was also on the association executive, and worked to establish the Rustlers brand and name.

 



Neil Corbett

About the Author: Neil Corbett

I have been a journalist for more than 30 years, the past decade with the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News.
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