A historic hockey win for the province had a definite Okanagan-Shuswap connection.

Team B.C. defeated Nova Scotia 3-0 in the gold-medal game in women鈥檚 hockey at the Canada Winter Games in Charlottetown Sunday, March 5.

It鈥檚 the first-ever gold medal in the sport for B.C., coached by Kris Hogg of Sicamous. Hogg is head coach of the women鈥檚 U18 Prep team at 91大黄鸭-based Rink Hockey Academy, and seven of his players were on Team B.C.

Four of the seven figured in the scoring in the championship. Chloe Primerano of Vancouver set up the first two goals three minutes apart midway through the second period by Mikayla Blomquist of Lake Country and Maddie Leaney of Maple Ridge.

Vernon鈥檚 Maya Serdachny assisted on a third-period goal at 11:42 scored by Danica Maynard of Osoyoos. Jordan Baxter of Coquitlam also had a helper on the goal.

Gracie Graham of 91大黄鸭, Jaimee Spring of Cranbrook and Hailey Armstrong from Dawson Creek are also part of Team B.C. from the Rink Academy squad.

鈥淚t feels amazing,鈥� said Graham. 鈥淚 got to win this gold medal with all my best friends so it鈥檚 a great opportunity and a great experience. I鈥檓 just thinking about all my family and coaches who have helped me make it this far and have this great opportunity.鈥�

Rebecca Noble of Delta was in goal for B.C. and made 11 saves to record the shutout.

鈥淚ncredible, this feeling is just amazing,鈥� said Noble with the gold medal around her neck. 鈥淭his is such a good group of girls and to finish the tournament like this is unforgettable.鈥�

Leaney led the tournament in scoring with 12 points, two ahead of teammate Primerano.

B.C. went undefeated in PEI.

The province won 103 medals at the Games 鈥� 46 gold, 26 silver, 31 bronze.

roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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