The Aldergrove Bruins may have finished second during pool play, but they won when it mattered most.
The midget A1 hockey team, which was 3-1 during pool play, upset pool winner Abbotsford A2 5-3 in the semifinals. The Bruins then captured the gold medal with a 3-1 win over Port Coquitlam A2 in the finals of the New Westminster Minor Hockey midget rep A tournament over the holidays.
The Bruins’ coaching staff credited hard work, discipline and some smart, exciting hockey for the keys to winning.
The team consists of: Jason Anderson, Richie Baadsvik, Reece Costain, Levi Dewaal, Nolan Dyck, Derek Gulka, Matt Johnston, Steven Lawrence, Mike Nolan, Darren O’Brien, Bo Pedersen, Trent Ratzlaff, Ryan Solotki, Cody Stephenson, Kade Vilio and goalies are Jeff Lieffering and Dustin Pruss. Affiliate players were Brody Dyck and Caleb Vilio. The Bruins are proudly coached by Mark Butterworth, Bill Ratzlaff and Mark Butterworth Jr.