Here are just a few choice stories of what made headlines in the community in 2016 – of major wins and tough losses:
ON THE BUTTON AWARD
The Sarah Daniels rink went to the defending provincial champion’s own ice and returned with the 2016 B.C. Junior women’s curling title.
The Royal City Curling Club squad upset the previously undefeated Corryn Brown rink 11-3 in Kamloops, avenging a round-robin loss and a setback in the quarterfinals. Despite that latter loss, the Daniels’ foursome entered the final with no hesitations.
“Mental toughness has been one of our big goals, to improve on,” second Dezaray Hawes said.
They followed that with a silver at the Canadian junior women’s championships.
RIGHT ON TIME AWARD
In a showdown of Royal City Curling Club junior men’s teams, Team Tardi were full marks for an 8-3 decision over Team McCrady, earning Tardi its first provincial title.
Tied 2-2, the game broke open in the fifth end when Tardi counted two and later stole three to lock it up.
At the nationals, Tardi would end up third overall after falling 8-3 in the semifinal to eventual champions from Manitoba.
TRIBUTE TO LAWRENCE KASDAN AWARD
Nothing like starting the new year out right – just like the New Westminster C1 Royals did, rolling undefeated through the competition to capture
Coquitlam’s Big Chill Bantam Hockey Tournament title.
The tourney, which has nothing to do with the Kasdan-directed 1983 classic film, ended with an exclamation mark, as New West blasted PoCo 7-1. Over six games, captain Ash Rutherford racked up an amazing 17 points, while Mason Jones sniped eight goals.
TOPS ON THE MATS AWARD
Medals were plentiful for New Westminster Hyacks boys wrestling team, as they returned from the B.C. High School championships as the most successful team. Led by Grade 11 Connor Pattison, who won the boys 90-kilogram title, the Hyacks edged out Abby Traditional for the overall aggregate crown.
T.J. Cordoviz earned a silver in the 45kg division, while Yanni Angelopoulos, at 110kg, and Sammy Sidhu, in 74kg, returned with bronze.
Two months later, Isaiah James, Angelopoulos and Sidhu would capture gold at the Canadian Cadet/Juvenile championships.
A TRIPLE FEAT AWARD
For the third time in the past five years, the Royal City Westminster United under-18 boys soccer team carted off the Pioneer Cup.
The trophy, which goes to the District 4 u18 champs, was secured behind a 4-0 shutout over West Vancouver. Markus Zacharuk registered a natural hat trick, while Ethan Haid added a single.
WHERE EAGLES DARE AWARD
In a rare feat, New Westminster native and Simon Fraser University golfer Breanna Croxen recorded a hole-in-one on the first day of the 36-hole Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout in Vallejo, Calif.
Croxen, who had already claimed a bite of fame with a cameo on a popular TV commercial, aced the par-3 13th hole, leading to an even-par round.
MAGICAL FINISHING AWARD
Whether you call them Warlocks or Bellies, the New Westminster men’s field lacrosse team was in the groove with its come-from-behind victory at the first-ever Canada West League playoff championships in Coquitlam.
Starting the tournament 0-3, New West turned a page and stormed the rest of the way, toppling the hometown Beerhunters 8-6 in the tier 1 final.
ALL IN THE FAMILY AWARD
New Westminster’s Brenden Bissett had a lineage to continue – and he did it proudly. Bissett was named to the Canadian national men’s field hockey team for the 2016 Rio Olympics, following in footsteps treaded well by his uncle David, a two-time Olympian. He also has twin brothers, Stephen and Matthew, who have worn Team Canada colours.
A SEVEN-UP AWARD
There was no stopping New Westminster’s Nina Schultz from finishing her high school track and field career on a high note. The multi-talented athlete dominated the B.C. high school heptathlon for a third straight year, establishing a new mark along the way.
Schultz set four personal bests over the two-day competition and broke the 5,500-point barrier, shattering a three-year-old mark by 205 points. The 17-year-old, who inked a full-ride scholarship to Kansas State, set PBs in the first day’s events: the 100m hurdles, high jump, shotput and 200m dash. The second day, wet and cooler, didn’t see any PBs set, but the new overall record was the biggest takeaway.
“I came into the competition wanting the (overall points) record,” said Schultz. “After Day 1 all my results were really good so I was aiming higher, but my Day 2 results are disappointing. I’m just happy to have the record.”
A week later at the B.C.s, Schultz won the 100m hurdles, the long jump – both personal bests – and the high jump. Deservedly, she was voted the Most Inspirational Athlete.
A TOUCH OF GREY AWARD
He didn’t look out of place, but New Westminster Salmonbellies assistant coach Russ Heard admitted to feeling a bit hesitant to lace up the boots and pick up the stick for one more Western Lacrosse Association game in May as a late roster fill-in for the Bellies in Victoria.
The 52-year-old, who later in the year would be escorted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, picked up an assist in what was his 400th WLA game – six years after game 399.
“I told them I’d only play every eight to 10 years,” Heard joked.
CYCLING THE PUCK AWARD
The popularity of blind hockey continues to grow, as those with severely limited to no vision continue to pursue the puck passion.
Members of the Vancouver Eclipse, based in New West’s Moody Park Arena, talked about the game, the challenges and how hockey has restored a personal thrill of playing.
“You almost feel your life has stopped, or you’re trapped inside your home,” New West’s Steve Vandermey said of losing his eye sight. “Like most people, I heard about (hockey for the blind) and couldn’t imagine it. It seemed scary… I didn’t know what to expect and it took me two years to get me out to try it. I’m glad I found it.”
DRAFTING BIG AWARD
The New Westminster Salmonbellies used the Western Lacrosse Association’s junior draft to build a bigger beast. The squad, selecting second and fourth overall, chose Coquitlam defender Michael Messenger and Langley sniper James Rahe, who they would flip a few months later for New West native Anthony Malcom.
“Quite honestly we had Mike Messenger atop our draft board,” remarked New West GM Dan Richardson. “He’s a big body, can play on both ends, faceoffs where we need help, and we just like what he brings to both ends.”
IT’S THE JOURNEY, NOT THE NUMBER AWARD
While the New Westminster senior girls basketball team may have felt disappointed in finishing 11th at the 2016 B.C. AAA championships, head coach Doug Woodward said the road to the tournament and the bonds built over a year-plus of hard work will be badges of honour for all.
“For everyone, whether they are graduating or coming back, this was a good experience and something they’ll grow from,” he said.
New West ended the season by besting fourth seeded Kelowna 77-65.
NO GARBAGE PAILS TOSSED AWARD
He knows his hockey, so when the crew from Rogers Hometown Hockey hit New Westminster in February, it was fitting that they reached out and gave Ernie ‘Punch’ McLean a spot on the podium.
The legendary hockey man, who brought the Western Hockey League’s Bruins to Queen’s Park Arena, graciously gave the Record an exclusive interview, recalling some of the game’s greatest stories.
“It was the first game we played (in New West) and the rink was completely packed,” McLean said of the team’s debut at Queen’s Park. “The fire marshal was running around, ‘You can’t get no more in!’ … I said we’d get everyone we can, and that’s where it started.”
WHEEL OF FORTUNE AWARD
Sergey Chernomorchenko nearly picked up a medal for every letter in his last name, competing for the Hyack Swim Club at the AAA provincial championships.
Chernomorchenko won the 10-and-under boys’ 100-metre backstroke and 400m freestyle, silver in 100m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, back and 400m individual medley, and a bronze in 800m free. He set new club marks in each event and was just part of a strong Hyack showing, which resulted in the club finishing second overall.
In July, Chernomorchenko added eight medals to his wall with a strong weekend at the B.C. Age Group championships. He won the 200m breast, picked up silver in the 50m fly, free, 100m back, 200m fly, 400m IM and 800 free, and bronze in 200m free.
A BANNER SEASON AWARD
In a rebuilding program, numbers don’t always add up. But the New Westminster Hyacks senior girls soccer team had enough to create two teams to contest the Burnaby-New West senior soccer throne. When the regular season and playoffs wrapped up, New West’s Team Black packed off with the league title, beating Burnaby Central 3-1 for the honour.
Goals from Georgia Brydon, Nisa Reehal and Abbey Flintoff added up to a banner win for the squad, which finished the regular season 3-1-0.
A PRESIDENTIAL RUN AWARD
A late roll was all it took, and the New Westminster Royals took it to the bank. The juvenile hockey team overcame early struggles to finish the season – and for most, their minor hockey careers – as champions, beating Seafair 2-1 in the Presidents Series juvenile final.
While their chase for a berth into the provincials fell short, the squad regrouped and made sure to end it on a highlight, as Brandon Del Grosso and Josh Lauener counted goals in the final 10 minutes to give the Royals the title.
THREE-FOR-THREE AWARD
Making it her third title in three years, the Shasta Trampoline Club’s Tamara O’Brien won her the double-mini crown at the Canada Cup in March. The New West-born athlete edged former American junior champion Paige Howard for the title.
TRACKING UPWARDS AWARD
New West also had a rising star emerge in the B.C. High School Track and Field junior circuit, as Grace Fetherstonhaugh delivered a pair of gold medals in personal best performances. The Grade 10 teen topped the 1500m steeplechase with a 15-second lead on second place, and added the 3,000m crown.
“I feel both wins were special, but the steeplechase was different because it’s something that’s still rather new to me, so I was proud to win it,” said Fetherstonhaugh.
NEW CHOP CHAMPION AWARD
It wasn’t in the kitchen, but New Westminster Judo Club’s Christine Chow followed a similar path as those on the popular TV cooking show. The 14 year old withstood all comers and exited the Canadian Judo championships as the winner in the national under-16 girls 48kg division. She bested four opponents en route to the title.
NASHVILLE CAT AWARD
New Westminster-born Dante Fabbro didn’t know what to expect, but came away extremely pleased after being selected 17th overall by the Nashville Predators at the 2016 NHL Draft.
Having starred the past season with the Penticton Vees, and been a major force with Canada’s under-18 team, Fabbro wasn’t disappointed that it was the Predators who called his name.
“I grew up loving the Preds,” said Fabbro, a product of the Burnaby Winter Club. “It’s definitely a special moment for me and my family. I’m honoured and humbled to be a part of this organization, and hopefully in the future I can make an impact.”
LONG ROAD BACK AWARD
Health and happiness go hand in hand. So too does athletic success, if gauging the route to Krista Woodward’s gold medal result at the Harry Jerome Track Classic in June.
Woodward captured the women’s javelin title at the international event, out-throwing Canadian national champion and record holder Liz Geadle by a centimetre.
Woodward, a six-time Canadian champion herself, had overcome a nagging shoulder injury which had troubled her for two years.
“I was pleasantly surprised – (the Jerome) has always been a meet I seemed to do poorly at,” said Woodward. “It feels like there’s more to come, my throws were just a couple of degrees off.”
A SILVER LINING AWARD
Team B.C.’s midget girls lacrosse team didn’t win the final, but it showed its true grit and talent in pushing its way there and battling hard before falling 7-5 to Ontario at the Canadian national box lacrosse championships.
The team, which included New Westminster’s Hannah Bernoe, Graceyn Dean, Jessica Soenen and netminder Jenna Phillips, were fullmarks in earning their final berth, racking up wins over Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario in the round-robin and playoffs.
B.C.’s bantam girls were equally as successful, taking silver in its tournament before losing 4-1 to Ontario. That roster included New Westminster’s Lauren Black, Avery Dean, Sophie Morris and Sydney Smith.
A LEGION OF MEDALS AWARD
New Westminster’s Max Jones and Jenevieve Patry-Smith combined for four medals at the Legion National track and field championships in Quebec in August.
Jones collected medals in both the pole vault, a silver, and bronze in 4x100 medley relay, while Patry-Smith took a pair of bronze in javelin and shotput.
WATER WORKS AWARD
The Hyack Swim Club’s Octavia Lau and Brodie Young were in typical fine form at the Canadian Age Group championships, scooping up a handful of medals each. Lau scored three freestyle gold medals, including a new provincial record in the 50m race, which guided her to a third-place overall finish among all female swimmers. As well as wins in the 400- and 1500m free events, she placed second in the 100- and 200m free. Young counted five medals, with wins in the 200- and 400m IM, silver in 100m breast and 1500m free, and bronze in 200m breast.
PRESIDENTS’ CHOICE AWARD
While the WLA’s senior Salmonbellies fell short of a repeat provincial final appearance, two former players got their hunger for hardware filled. Keegan Bal and Richard Lachlan were members of the St. Albert Miners lineup which captured the Canadian Senior B national lacrosse title, topping Kahnawake in the final for the Presidents Cup.
The pair joined the Miners with a run for the Presidents Cup in mind, and both were major contributors in the effort. Lachlan scored five goals in the final win, earning player of the game honours, while Bal finished as the tournament’s top scorer, with 12 goals and 24 assists over five games.
ON THE BEST HOTSEAT AWARD
New Westminster native and University of B.C. netminder Matt Hewitt had a childhood dream fulfilled in October, when the Vancouver Canucks came calling for his services.
Due to a game-day illness to Canucks goalie Ryan Miller, the NHL hockey club borrowed Hewitt to serve as the backup to Markus Markstrom in a game against St. Louis at Rogers Place. While Hewitt didn’t play, he got to take in the action from the player’s bench, wearing an NHL uniform and feel the adrenalin which comes with being in the biggest stage.
“They made me feel part of the team,” Hewitt said of his temporary teammates. “They had no trouble chirping me and I chirped back.”
A THIRD OF FIRSTS AWARD
A medal – while the colour signifies degree, any medal is important when it’s the first. The Douglas College Royals women’s soccer team achieved a club first in November when it finished third at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s national championships, beating Northern Alberta 2-1 in penalty kicks. Netminder Alexa Gazzola provided the heroics, turning aside the first three shots to give Douglas its chance at bronze.
It came just a week after a tough loss in the PacWest final, where the defending champion Royals just couldn’t put one on the board in a 1-0 loss to Vancouver Island.
ANOTHER LESSON LEARNED AWARD
Yards short, miles deep. The New Westminster Hyacks senior football team could not contain Notre Dame quarterback’s stellar outing, falling 20-14 in the B.C. AAA football semifinal at BC Place.
That they came so close, and piled up impressive wins over Mount Boucherie and Abbotsford along the way, made the defeat tough to swallow.
“All year long, we had big plays both sides of the ball. These kids worked so hard but today Notre Dame got the better of us,” remarked defensive coordinator Chad Oatway following the loss.
The highlight of the season may just have been the late-October upset of No. 1-ranked Mount Doug, where the Hyacks shook off a sluggish start to score 30 points in the second half in a 45-19 win.
Drawing all-star honours were linebacker Connor Pattison, running back Lucas Sabau and defensive back Ben Tjernagel.
A DECADE DRY SPELL ENDS AWARD
For the first time in 10 years, the Douglas College Royals women’s volleyball team got the better of the Vancouver Island University.
Their court battles, during the past 10 years, went along the way of a Perry Mason trial – with the Royals assigned the role of the deflated district attorney Hamilton Burger. But in early December that streak of losses came to a halt, as Douglas College continued its impressive season with a 3-1 win over the Nanaimo-based Islanders. Although VIU remains in first place, the Royals have cleared the deck of past work, and enter the second half of the season in second place.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME AWARD
The Royal City Curling Club is playing host to the B.C. Junior curling championships this week – grab yourself a seat (it winds up Saturday). A lot of hometown teams did just that in qualifying, as both the men’s and women’s draws will have a local flavour. Challenging for a provincial title on the men’s sides are Royal City crews Kiss, McCrady, Proctor, Sato and defending B.C. champion Tardi. On the women’s side the defending champion is New West’s Team Daniels.
