The Ridge Meadows atom C5 Giants hockey team beat out 19 other teams to claim the March Madness atom hockey tournament in Kelowna last week, taking the championship final by a convincing score of 7-1.
The road to the final was not without adversity, as the Giants dropped their first game of the tournament to Cloverdale. The Giants fought back, however, earning themselves the top spot.
Top goal scorers for the team were Nicholaus Horodyski, Andrew Fishwick, Quinn Harris and Tomoslav Stojcic.
Hard work and team play was contributed by Ryan VanBovan, Ryan Crockett, and Mythias Castres. Harrison Ledger and TJ Cunningham aided the offensive lines with their play, while Elijah Baker, Aiden Lyons, Joel Lackey and Teagan Carnegie frustrated the opposing teams on defence.
Stellar goaltending by Jorrin Lenton allowed the team to take risks and focus on their offensive game.
The March Madness victory topped off a great season for the Giants, who also earned the atom division sportsmanship award during league play.
The Giants also won their divisional playoff banner title earlier in March, defeating Port Coquitlam.
Head coach Gord Horodyski said he was proud of the effort and achievement of the boys. Assistant coaches included Jay Cunningham and Andrew Lenton and the team was supported throughout the season by team manager Bonnie Crockett.