A“fantastic” season of minor hockey

Submitted by Jordan Stapleton Registrar, Windermere Valley Minor Hockey

As our 2022/23 season winds down we can all agree that it was another fantastic season of minor hockey here in Invermere. It was a season bringing normal back to the arena, as protocols were lifted and teams were able to hold tournaments and league games, bringing back the fun into hockey.

Our U7 team and their fresh faces just completed their home tournament, getting to show off their skating for the first time at home to some large crowds of family and friends. Coaches Jason Botterill, Steve Atkinson and Thomas Smith have done wonders in keeping the fun, while teaching fundamentals.

Our U9 team completed their home tournament in February, along with a full schedule of tournaments throughout the season. Coaches George Pemberton, Ed Schaffer and Jason Botterill had their hands full with a large team of diverse talents. The improvements made from start to finish this season are a testament to both the kids’ and coaches’ hard work on the ice.

Our U11B team finished the season at 13-1 atop the standings in their division. Made up of mostly first year players, this team embodied the spirit of team play with passing and teamwork. Coaches Steve Bush, George Pemberton and Kane McAffer helped develop a small roster into a polished squad, capturing multiple tournament gold medals. Goalies, Colin Gallaway and Olivia MacDonell, have done well in their first year of full ice and those bigger nets.

The U11B banner tournament is March 17-19 in Elkford, to add another banner to the arena. Our 11A team was a very small team of only 10 skaters and one goalie. They overcame sickness and a short bench to finish second in their division at 10-2, with a staggering +56 goal differential. Led by the rock-solid goaltending of Jack Hildes and coaches Simon Gramlich, Richard Vernon, and Justin Brown, they will go into their banner tournament at the Eddie Mountain Arena in Invermere March 3-6. Hopefully we will see all of you down at the games to support them in their quest for another championship. When the BC selection committee approved our U13 team to host provincials we were overjoyed. Coming in as defending champs is no easy task, but coaches Brad Cable, Fergus Dewey, and Richard Vernon are up to the task.