Ottawa crowned hockey champs

Ottawa crowned hockey champs

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Hockey players from HMCS Ottawa played their best game against a familiar foe and claimed this year’s Cock of the Walk hockey title.

Ottawa scored a 4-3 overtime win over defending champion Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) in the tournament’s final game, and compiled a perfect 6-0 record in the four-day tournament, played March 18 to 21 at Wurtele Arena.

The winning goal was scored by Lieutenant (Navy) Edric Lim less than a minute into the five-minute overtime period. FDU(P) opened up a 2-0 first period lead before Ottawa rallied for the victory, avenging a loss to the same opponents in last year’s title game.

After the final buzzer sounded, Ottawa players flooded the ice to celebrate the victory and hoist the Cock of The Walk trophy. At the centre of the scrum of cheers and high fives was Ottawa goaltender Leading Seaman Matt Nicolle. LS Nicolle noted that he and his teammates defeated an opponent that represents a unit synonymous with exceptional physical fitness.

“It takes a great deal of commitment to take on the Fleet Diving Unit and win, because they will always have you beat in terms of conditioning,” said LS Nicolle. “We won because of a combination of hard work, talent, and team chemistry, as many our players play together for the CFB Esquimalt Tritons that recently won the CAF Regionals and were CAF Nationals finalists.”

In round robin play, Ottawa came up with wins over HMCS Calgary, Base Information Services, FDU(P) and Naval Fleet School Pacific, followed by a semi-final victory over HMCS Winnipeg.

Organized by Personnel Support Programs, the intention of the year-long multi-sport competition is to enhance fun and fitness with friendly athletic competition between the base’s units.  Participation in Cock of the Walk is open to both Regular Force and currently on contract Reservists, with a valid FORCE test certificate.

This year’s competition also included ball hockey, 7-aside soccer, volleyball and beach volleyball, sailing, flag football, basketball, slo pitch, Navy Run and the Navy Bike Ride.

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