There was a tie on the ice, but patients at the B.C. Children's Hospital came out as the big winners from Saturday, Nov. 30's tilt between Whistler's Ice Wizards and the CFOX Hockey Team.
The two squads officially tied 10-10 in the game, which saw more than 300 people come out to Meadow Park Sports Centre and raise $6,000 for the hospital, plus another smaller amount towards the Ice Wizards' Movember fundraising efforts.
"It was absolutely amazing," said Mike Borrelli, an Ice Wizards team member who helped with the event's organization. "
Moe Joe's nightclub and the Whistler Women's Hockey League each contributed $1,000, while ticket sales, a 50/50 draw, chuck-a-puck and other fundraising efforts during the game raised an additional $4,000.
The radio station's team usually raises money for the hospital by playing against Lower Mainland teams on weekdays, but the weekend spectacle in Whistler was an event unlike most of the squad's games.
"I got an email from (their captain) saying, 'We are definitely on board for next year again," said Borrelli, who expressed thanks to all volunteers, sponsors and Meadow Park staff for helping to pull the game off.
Soccer squads still kicking
The Whistler Avalanche U12 girls' soccer team completed a triple crown of victories over the weekend by capturing the North Shore Youth Soccer Association Community Cup title.
The Avalanche, who already wrapped up an undefeated season in Squamish Fall League play, and a North Shore Thanksgiving Tournament title in October, beat the North Shore Warriors 4-0 in the Community Cup final on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Jaden d'Artois McCurry scored 15 minutes into the match, and that was all the offence Whistler would need to secure the title. Midfielder Samantha Deally's hat trick rounded out the scoring, while goalkeeper Kate Risso earned the clean sheet.
"The girls played a flawless game and it was a brilliant conclusion to a very successful fall campaign," said coach David Deally.
Other players on the roster included Sophia Chalk, Zoe Lacroix, Caitlin Nash, Olivia Ellott, Sydney Wilson, Lily MacConnachie, Maya Uggeri, Katie Faerge, Desiree Deschenes and Vanessa Larsen.
Meanwhile, the Avalanche U14 boys' rep team has been impressive in some of its recent outings, reaching the semifinals of the 4-Districts Soccer League's Pioneer Cup.
The team knocked off the Sunshine Coast Thunderbirds and Vancouver Rangers to make it to the semifinal held Saturday, Nov. 30 against the North Vancouver Fury. Mackenzie Cyr forced a Fury own-goal in the first half to put Whistler ahead 1-0, but the Avalanche found themselves down a goal midway through the second half. Fraser Doak tied the game in the final minute off a feed from Bryan McGuire, making it 2-2 and forcing a 20-minute overtime. The Fury scored early in the extra period and held on for the win.
The U14 Avalanche will continue play in the 4-Districts League through the winter, currently sitting with a record of 5-6-1.
Basketball coach needed
The Whistler Secondary School Storm senior boys' basketball team is still seeking a coach for the winter season. No previous coaching experience is necessary, but knowledge of the game is required. The team has two practices per week and a game every two weeks. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Georgina Titus at 604-905-2581 or by emailing gtitus@sd48.bc.ca.
