Trackers edged in U-18 Western Canada Showdown

CALGARY, AB. — The top U-18 boys’ hockey program in the northeast had a decent showing in Calgary at one of Western Canada’s largest hockey tournaments last weekend.

The U-18 North East BC Trackers played in the Western Canada U-18 AA Showdown against teams from Calgary, Manitoba and Saskatchewan from Thursday, November 20th to Sunday, November 23rd in Alberta.

Opening the event versus the U-18 AA Regina Capitals on November 20th, the Trackers fell behind early by a score of 3-0 before second-period goals by Mason McGinnis and Brady Dietz cut the score to 3-2.

It stayed that way until a late goal by Regina gave them the win 4-2. Trackers goaltender Brenden Hatton had 29 saves in the loss.

The next day, three first-period goals by Cochrane’s Bow Valley U-18 AA Timberwolves were too much for the Trackers to overcome. Despite second-period scores from Lucca Brooks and Dietz, and a late third-period goal from Declan Bookham, the Trackers had a second straight loss by a score of 4-3.

On November 22nd, the team battled hard versus the U-17 AAA Winnipeg Bruins. Earning their first points of the tourney, the Trackers finished the game deadlocked at 2-2. 

Goals came from Deacon Clarance and Brooks, and netminder Riley Crompton made 22 saves in the game.

The Trackers finished the tournament with a matchup against the Saskatoon U-18 Sabrecats on November 23rd.

Despite scoring first on a goal from Walker Brown, the Trackers were felled by four second-period goals, including a pair by Evan Thompson.

While McGinnis did knot the game late in the third period, Saskatoon’s Gavin Clements iced the game with the winning goal with just 1:14 left, with the Trackers losing 5-4.

The Western Canada U-18 AA Showdown is an annual event hosted by the Calgary Royals Athletic Association, according to its website. 

Further details about the U-18 Trackers can be found on the club’s Facebook page.