Atom 2 Chinooks end their hockey season in style

Atom 2 Chinooks vs Patents/Coaches/Teacher
C. Davis photos and video

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Atom 2 Chinooks are getting ready to pack up their hockey gear as the season winds down.  Their playoff series hopes were dashed in a hard-fought 6-4 loss to the Irvine Bulldogs  on Saturday morning, March 9.  On Monday evening they faced off against parents and coaches for one last game of the season, a 9-9 barnburner.  There's a party planned for Thursday, and then it's on to other pursuits.


Atom 2 Chinooks playoffs vs Irvine Bulldogs

Atom 2 Chinooks vs Irvine Bulldogs

Recapping, the Atom 2 Chinooks defeated Warner in the first round of Spud League playoffs.  For the second round, they were up against the Irvine Bulldogs, best two out of three.  The first game in the series was held at the Albert Stella Memorial Arena, and the Bulldogs won it 6-4.

The second game was on home ice for the Chinooks, at the Memorial Community Centre in Pincher Creek last Saturday.

The Chinooks took an early lead at the 16:35 mark of the first period.  Riley Potts brought it up the side fast, and Abi Cryderman was there for the rebound.  Potts and Corbin Litchfield got assists on the play.  The Bulldogs evened it up at the 10:21 mark with a goal by Thomas Davey, assisted by Reece Barton and Syd Norquay.   Then with 6:20 remaining in the period Chinooks Captain Caleb Evans popped one in after almost everybody on the line took a shot to make it 2-1.  Cory Dyck and Christopher Leblanc got assists on that play.

Irvine came out determined in the second period, quickly tying it 2-2 with a goal by Austin Musch, assisted by Thomas Davey and Blayden Montan.  Then at the 12:00 minute mark Nico Charette took it to the Bulldogs net and popped it in, unassisted, putting the Chinooks ahead again 3-2.  A barnburner was unfolding before us, both teams putting in a mighty effort.  The Chinooks made it 4-2 after 9:26 goal by   Christopher Leblanc, ably assisted by Riley Potts.  Munsch for the Bulldogs at the 6:01 mark, again assisted by Davey, and the score stood at 4-3 Chinooks at the end of the second.

The Bulldogs scored 3 unanswered goals in the final period, which saw one of their coaches sent home for bad behaviour.  Goals came from Thomas Davey, Reece Barton, and Syd Norquay.  Assists came from Barton, Justin Casat, and Kale Syverson.

Final score: Bulldogs 6, Chinooks 4

Bulldogs win two straight and move forward in the playoffs.  Season over for the Chinooks, but it was a great season.

Atom 2 Chinooks vs Parents/Coaches/Teacher

"we're gonna kick some parent butt!"

To wrap up the season the Atom 2 Chinooks took on a team composed of parents, coaches, and a teacher.

Eric Leblanc at the controls

"We're going to be dishing some revenge," said Nico Charette before the game.  "Yeah, we're going to kick some parent butt," said his compadre Atom Captain Caleb Evans.

Eric Leblanc filled in as the clock person for the game, doing an admirable job of it.

Kyle Blood, better known as a frequent announcer at the rink perhaps, strapped on his well-used goalie gear to man the id's net.  Christopher Leblanc had the daunting task of facing down his own teammates in the adult's net.  Nic Crook was finally off the injury list and back in the game for the Chinooks as well.

Wheelin' Coach Kayne

Lean Green Machine

I won't say what ensued was great hockey, but it was great fun.  At least one player left a better skater than he started (Way to go "Detroit"!).  Some parents probably learned that doing it just right is easier from the stands.  "I touched the puck!" Janelle Jorgenson was heard to exclaim.  Everybody was smiling when it was all over, including this reporter.

Way too much fun.