National Men's Hockey seen role reversal
By Gina Gillespie
Wade Sutton, #9 CFB Halifax, scores a goal against Gabriel Néron, #30 CFB Valcartier, during the gold medal round
of the CF Men's Hockey Tournament.
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It was a case of déjà vu as Quebec and Atlantic regions squared off once again in the National Men's Hockey Championship final game. But in a role reversal,last year's championship team fell to an offensive onslaught that saw Atlantic region score three goals in 36 seconds early in the game. "Valcartier was done.
They couldn't get back in the game," says tournament organizer, Dave Rothermund. "One shift, the line scored three goals. That was the power shift including Master Corporal Wade Sutton and MCpl Rob Sneath."
The final score was 5-2 for the Atlantic region team. Quebec and Atlantic regions consistently field strong teams.Valcartier played undefeated last year and this year, up until the 2006 championship game. Atlantic region's strategy of hard work, discipline and correct movement of the puck has lead them into eight consecutive championship games.
Atlantic coach Mike Almond says their strength comes from the chemistry of the players, who work well together on and off the ice. "These guys are tremendous competitors. They hate to lose," he says.
Their strategy going into the final game was to limit the speed of the fast-moving Valcartier team and capitalize on their chances in the offensive zone. "That's what we look forward to most, beating the best," says Mr. Almond. MCpl Sutton was named to the tournament All Star Team, along with teammates MCpl Sneath and Corporal Bryan Dubé.
"Wade Sutton is the class of the military right now," says Mr. Rothermund. "He was well deserving of the MVP Award." The Dedication to CF Sports Award went to Prairie region coach Bill Werney. The Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) oversees the CF National Sports program and 13 National championships each year. Ms. Gillespie is a freelance writer with CFPSA.