The Markham Waxers U18AA hockey team donned their lucky
alternate jerseys at Centennial Community Arena on Sunday en route to achieving
their goal of winning the 2022 OHF Championships.
The Waxers rode a 'blue/white wave' of fan support, going undefeated thru the four-game round robin and posting a 5-0-1 record over six games during the weekend.
Official hosts of the OHF Championships, the Waxers opened the tournament on Friday morning with an impressive 7-0 win over NOHA representatives Nickel City Sons.
The Waxers brought a balanced attack in the game, with seven different players scoring goals.
The Waxers continued building their tournament momentum Friday night against Milton, outshooting them 28-22 and outscoring the Winterhawks 5-3.
Michael Boyle-Ricupero notched the hattrick while Cohen Mackie picked up a pair of apples.
Sporting a 2-0 record heading into Saturday's games, the Waxers continued their winning ways with a 3-1 nail-biter win over GTHL Champions, Humber Valley Sharks.
The energy at Centennial Arena was electric throughout the weekend as the face- and chest-painted '#rollwax' blue/white wave fans had the building rocking!
The players rewarded their fans with some of the most exciting, end-to-end hockey witnessed in Markham in a long time.
Saturday night was arguably the only hiccup along the journey for the Waxers, as they settled for a 0-0 tie against Alliance Champions, Waterloo Wolves, despite outshooting the Wolves 40-14.
Rayen Singh held down the fort, adding yet another shutout to his collection of nearly 20 on the season.
Undefeated in the tournament and the #1 team after the round robin, the Waxers faced #4 Milton in the tournament semi-final on Sunday morning. The cool-headed Waxers dominated the game, punching their ticket to the finals with an impressive 7-4 victory. Bryce McKee led the Waxers scoring with a 4-point game including a hat-trick and Tyler Kerr and Michael Boyle Ricupero each notched a pair of goals. Elliot Austin picked up his tournament leading, third win in the Waxers net.
The OHF Championships final game lived up to the hype, as the Waxers took on the Humber Valley Sharks at 4:00 pm. Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti kicked off the final game festivities by dropping the puck in the ceremonial face off. Again, the house was jumping and the 'blue/white wave' of local supporters was loud, proud and spirited creating a truly provincial championship-worthy atmosphere.
During the final, the Sharks came out hard and fast forcing the Waxers back on their heels. Rayen Singh was spectacular in the Waxers net, enroute to collecting his second shutout of the tournament. Scoreless after two periods, the Waxers fed off the phenomenal energy that the hometown crowd brought to the game and delivered a truly impressive four goals in the final 15 minutes. Waxers captain, Teagan Maybury, opened the scoring with the eventual game-winner 1:11 into the final period. The first of his two goals in the game, Maybury triggered an onslaught of four unanswered third period goals as the Waxers faithful cheered the team to U18AA hockey supremacy.
Team captain and 2004 player Teagan Maybury led the Waxers by example with his outstanding play topping the tournament scoring with 10 points (5G, 5A) and was the Waxers tournament MVP.
The OHF Championships were a total team effort, both on and off the ice, with a truly dedicated team of parents and volunteers.
Thanks to everyone who attended the games especially the 'blue/white wave' of supporters. Your energy made the games electrifying and helped push the Waxers over the top—a legitimate home ice advantage
Check out the scores and team stats.
