Tritons get ready to rumble at Wurtele

Tritons Hockey

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — The Senior Tritons continue their quest for a National hockey title this week on home ice at Wurtele Arena. CFB Esquimalt is hosting this year’s Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Old-Timers’ Hockey Championships, March 13-17. The tournament brings together four regional champions from bases across the country.

Following their Gold Medal Game victory last month, Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Rob Tibbetts, Tritons team captain and forward, said his players are optimistic they can continue the pace at this week’s National Championship tournament.

“This is an amazing group of players we have assembled and utilizes a mix of veteran leadership, speed and goaltending,” said CPO2 Tibbetts, the Coxswain of HMCS Corner Brook.

Esquimalt won their berth in the CAF Nationals convincingly after outscoring their opposition 38–5 during the Canada West Old-Timers’ Regional Championship in Cold Lake, Alta.

In regional play, CPO2 Tibbetts says standout performances by many players blessed the Tritons, including forwards Master Sailor Martin Charlebois and Master Warrant Officer JF Bordeleau goaltenders Petty Officer Second Class Randy Collens and Major Dustin Matheson. The goaltenders allowed just four goals over four games against Edmonton, Winnipeg and Comox.

To track all the action at the tournament, including updates and scores, award winners and more, follow the Facebook pages of CAF Sports and the Naden Athletic Centre.

Tritons Men fall at Nationals

The Tritons Open Age Men’s Hockey team recently had their dreams of a National Championship dashed after competing in the Men’s Hockey CAF National Championship at CFB Wainwright, Feb. 27-March 3.

They opened their campaign on a strong note with victories over Valcartier and Greenwood but suffered a 10-3 loss to Petawawa to close out round-robin play. Their quest for gold ended with a 5-4 double-overtime loss to Valcartier in the tournament semi-final.

Following their season-ending loss, Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Curtis Gillies, Esquimalt Team Manager and Assistant Captain, congratulated his players for their efforts this season and their opponents for a well-deserved win.

“Valcartier were a very tough opponent,” PO1 Gillies said.

The Tritons were without Sailor First Class Derek Cheetham, one of its first-line centres, for their semi-final against the Lions after he sustained a broken wrist in Esquimalt’s loss to Petawawa.

PO1 Gillies noted several other factors, including flight delays, cancellations and player shortages at practices.

Valcartier claimed the tournament title with a 6-5 win over Petawawa in the gold medal game.

Bright spots for the Tritons this season included Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Noah Kenny of HMCS Vancouver, tournament MVP right-winger, and forwards Acting Sub-Lieutenant Darcy McHugh of HMCS Venture and SLt Seamus Maguire of Base Foods.

Later this month, CFB Esquimalt’s Women’s Hockey team is preparing to compete in the CAF Women’s Hockey Championship, March 20-24, at CFB Trenton.

The Senior Tritons will face the Kingston Knights in the tournament’s opening game on March 13, with the opening puck drop at 9 a.m.

Esquimalt’s other opponents in the tournament’s round-robin phase include Ottawa on March 14 and Greenwood on March 15, with opening puck drops for both games at 2 p.m.

The tournament semi-finals take place on March 16, with the winners meeting in the championship game on March 17 at 9 a.m.

Canadian Armed Forces Old-Timers' Hockey Championships Schedule

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