The Victoria Admirals U18 tier 1 boys hockey team overcame an early setback to claim the BC Provincial Championship, capping off their tournament run with a decisive 3-0 victory over the Cloverdale Colts in the gold medal game on March 19.
After opening the tournament with a 5-3 loss to Cloverdale, the Admirals bounced back with a 5-2 win over East Kootenay and a 7-4 victory against Omaha North Regional. In the semifinals, they dominated Ridge Meadows 7-1, setting up a rematch with the Colts for the championship.
Oliver Pemberton led the way offensively, registering 10 points in five games, including a two-point performance in the final.
Admirals head coach Chris Driebergen credited the team’s success to their strong bond and determination.
“We have a ton of character in the room,” Driebergen said. “Our team is all third-years, and they are all best friends.”
Victoria weathered the storm in the first, with Everett Willie stopping all 18 shots. Cloverdale outshot Victoria 18-12 in the opening twenty. Late in the frame, a turnover led to disaster for the Colts. Pemberton capitalized on the miscue, scoring a shorthanded goal to give the Admirals a 1-0 lead.
Victoria continued to press, and Ryan Helmkay extended the lead 10 minutes into the period. The Admirals struck again on the power play when Jordan Hanoski made it 3-0 with the man advantage.
Willie stood tall in the Victoria net, deflecting all 32 shots he faced to secure the shutout and the championship.
After winning two bronze medals in past seasons, Driebergen struggled to put the victory into words.
“I don’t know what to feel right now,” he said. “It’s surreal. I love these guys—every single one of them.”
With files from Malin Jordan/Peace Arch News
