Atom Chinooks win Gold at home tourney

Gold: 2013/14 Atom Chinooks

Chris Davis with Lloyd Lybbert

Pincher Creek's Atom Chinooks placed first in their home tournament, held last weekend at the Memorial Community Centre arena.  The tournament ended as it started, with the Chinooks and Calgary's Saints facing off against each other.  In game one they tied 3-3.  In game 12, the final game, the Chinooks won 9-6 for gold.

Silver: 2013/14 Calgary Saints

Five teams participated: The Chinooks, Calgary's Saints, the Southland Wolverines, Rockyford's Roughnecks, and the Spruce View Stars.  Every team brought something to the table.  The Saints and Chinooks both were difficult competitors to beat.  The Chinooks in particular got stronger as the tournament progressed.  The Wolverines were also formidable competitors, losing the B final by only one point after up and down performances at other games during the tournament.  The only team to beat the Stars were the Chinooks and the Saints, so the final draw made sense.  The Roughnecks didn't get to go home with a win, but they certainly gave it their all in every game.  Lots of raw young talent on that team, I hope we get to see them again next season when they've got a little more experience under their jerseys.

Chinooks celebrate their win

As for Pincher Creek's Atom Chinooks, they did our town proud.  They were undefeated in all five of their games. They were gracious hosts. They played to the best of their abilities as individuals and as a team throughout.  They were didn't overwarm the penalty bench.  They didn't overwhelm weaker teams, instead working on their passing plays, stick handling, and technical skills whenever it was obvious they were on their way to an easy win.  They spread the scoring and assists around liberally.  When this team does that, they win.

The Rocket Rylan slapshot got more famous at this tournament.  Bruns got at least three hat tricks (my records are incomplete) and scored at least 25 goals.  He also earned a number of assists.  Also putting the fear into opposing goalies were Alex Comeau, Nico Charette, Cade Ames (the King of assists), Rhett Fitzpatrick, Tristen Blood, Connor Stuckey, Logan Deley, Riley Potts, Caleb Evans, Corbin Litchfield, Colton Kirkman, Keran Randall, and Corey Dyck.  Solid efforts from Christian Berthiaume and Koltyn Kipling.  I sure hope I got everyone on that list, because everyone came to play.

A huge amount of growth from the Atom Chinooks this season, who began as two teams squished into one and have emerged as team players and champions.

Results:

1. Pincher Creek Chinooks 3, Calgary Saints 3
2. Southland Wolverines 15, Rockyford Roughnecks 3
3. Calgary Saints 8, Spruce View Stars 4
4. Chinooks 8, Wolverines 6
5. Stars 22, Roughnecks 4
6. Wolverines 10, Saints 3
7. Chinooks 14, Stars 6
8. Saints 11, Roughnecks 2
9. Stars 13, Wolverines 4
10. Chinooks  blank Roughnecks
11. B Final  Stars 11, Wolverines 10
12. A Final Chinooks 9, Saints 6