News
Circle K Success
Shawnigan’s U18 Prep boys’ ice hockey team proved once again that they can skate with the best with another strong showing at the Circle K Classic, the top tournament in North America for their age group, which ran in Calgary from December 26 to January 1.
After reaching the final four in the 2022-23 edition of the tournament, this year Shawnigan won four games and lost two, and made it to the C Division final to finish near the top of the 32-team, invite-only tournament.
Shawnigan went 2-1 in pool play, recovering from a 6-3 loss to the Bishop Kearney Selects (Irondequoit, New York) to beat the Warman Wildcats (Warman, Saskatchewan) 7-4, and the Airdrie CFR Bisons (Airdrie, Alberta) 3-2.
Based on their record and goal differential, Shawnigan ended up in the C Division for the playoffs. After a thrilling 4-3 overtime win over the Calgary Northstars in the quarter-finals, they defeated the St. Louis AAA Blues 7-4 in the semis before falling to Detroit Victory Honda 8-3 in the final.
Brendyn V. was named a second-team all-star after posting 14 points in six games on nine goals — including a hat trick against Warman — and five assists. Eli M. also had 14 points, scoring twice and adding 12 assists over the course of the tournament. Josh P. was right behind them in the team scoring race, with 13 points on seven goals and six assists, including a hat trick against St. Louis. Brendyn was named Player of the Game by the Circle K Classic staff three times, Eli twice, and Josh once.
Head coach Mr. Kevin Cooper made the trip to Calgary along with assistant coaches Mr. Paul Morris and Mr. James Gaertner, head athletic therapist Ms. Noelani Avveduti, and ice hockey coordinator Mrs. Kimberley Cooper. He noted that every player had at least one parent in attendance at the tournament. The team had two big dinners together, including one hosted by the family of Logan K., who prepared food for 60 people. Mr. Darrin Austin, who retired from Shawnigan last spring after 32 years at the School, and who now lives in Calgary, was also spotted in the stands cheering on the team.
“The players represented Shawnigan for seven days in Calgary with amazing behaviour and humility, and an extraordinary work ethic,” Mr. Cooper commented. “This is a team I am very proud to coach.”
The Shawnigan coaches picked an MVP for each game, and that player was presented (temporarily) with Mr. Cooper’s jersey from his time with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League (2007-09).
Fresh off their success in Calgary, the team is hosting the Robertson Invitational Tournament this weekend. Games started on Thursday and will continue until Sunday at Shawnigan’s Charlie Purdey Arena and nearby Kerry Park Arena. Please click here for more details.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
