Flyers and Trackers programs shine at provincials with medal performances

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — In their final games of the season, three Fort St. John youth hockey clubs took to the ice to win silver and bronze medals at their respective B.C. provincial hockey championships this week. 

The U-18 North East BC Trackers (NEBC) program hosted the BC Hockey tier one U-18 championship in town, and were playing for gold against the Omaha Central Zone Rockets from the Okanagan before a packed crowd at the North Peace Arena on Wednesday, March 18th. 

While the Trackers managed to outshoot their opponents by a 33-25 margin, they could not solve Rockets goaltender Jet Harder, who posted his second shutout of the tournament.

Rockets forward Ryan Madu scored twice, including a third-period empty-netter, and the Rockets prevailed 3-0, leaving the Trackers with the silver medal. Ryder Kinjerski-Nielsen had the other goal for the Rockets.

Trackers goalie Brenden Hatton made 22 stops in the loss.

Meanwhile, another NEBC Trackers team – the U-15 squad – was in Ridge Meadows for the U-15 tier one provincial championship.

After a loss in the semi-finals against the hosts, they faced off against the East Kootenay Avalanche for the bronze medal.  

A 1-1 tie was broken up in the third period by Trackers player Brody Peterson. Additional goals from Chayse King and Hunter Bahm gave the team a 4-1 victory, ensuring a bronze medal.

In Hollyburn, the U-13 Flyers took on the Vancouver U-13 Spirit for gold in the U-13 tier two championship. 

Carter Moehling of the Flyers had the only goal for the club, who suffered a 5-1 loss, leaving them with the silver.

The provincial championships are sanctioned by the province’s governing body for hockey, BC Hockey.

More details about the BC Hockey provincials are available on its website.