This past weekend, The Markham Waxers U18BB1 Team travelled to Montreal to faceoff against top-tier opponents from across Ontario, Alberta and the US and came away as the Gold Medalist and undefeated
Champions of The Can/Am Challenge Cup
Our boys opened the tournament against one of the top ranked teams in Ontario: The Toronto Eagles. After an opening period goal our boys held onto that lead after numerous scoring
chances by both teams to win the game 1-0. Game 2 saw the boys clash with Alberta’s own Springbank Rockies. The end result was a dominant 6-2 win by the Waxers setting up a game 3 matchup vs The Burlington Bulldogs with 1st seed on the line.
Needing a win to advance to the finals, The Waxers came out determined and focus on the task at hand with 2 quick goals, merely 26 seconds apart to end the 1st period
2-0. A physical Burlington team returned fire in the second period to cut the Waxers lead 2-1 but in familiar fashion the boys knew what was at stake and answered back just over two minutes later to regain the 2 goal lead to end the 2nd period.
With back and forth chances by both teams in the 3rd period, the boys added an empty netter to put the game out of reach and finish the game 4-1 to advance to the Gold Medal championship.
Next up was a finals matchup versus The Oakville Rangers, a battle between 2 undefeated teams from each pool and someone’s 0 had to go. In true BB1 fashion, our boys came out flying
and took the early lead 1-0 after the 1st period. Although the Rangers answered back in the 2nd period, our Waxers scored their 2nd goal early on the 3rd, but the boys were unable to hang on under a heavy Oakville attack and
the game was tied 2-2 to end the 3rd period, setting up one of the most exciting finishes in Can/Am history championship history!
Starting the 1st overtime 3v3 and a couple of chances that saw both teams with great scoring opportunities, time ran out and we moved into double OT 2v2 which was a format
the boys had never experienced before. Not wilting under pressure The Waxers played with poise and composure waiting for that moment to strike and with 45 seconds left in double OT The Boogeyman - our very own Sharms - appeared and secured the championship
with a sharp shot inside the far post adding another significant chapter to the boys’ storybook final season on their minor hockey careers.
The Markham Waxers U18BB1 Team would like to thank The Oakville Rangers for an intense and emotional end to the tournament that displayed some of the best U18BB/A hockey the country has to offer and Can/Am Hockey for hosting such a memorable
experience.
Our biggest thank you as always goes out to all our U1 BB1 Waxers families and friends for all their support during this tournament. Most importantly a big congratulations to all of our Markham Waxers U18 BB1 gold medalists: Kish, Adam, Pags, Daniel, Kevy,
Tanger, Rhys, Mats, Jalen, Jack, Evan, Dassy, Knighty, Ryden, Sharms, Terry, Devin, Wanger, Coach Ryno, Coach Sal, Coach Jeff, Trainers Jim & Joe and Team Manager Richard.
