Last year the Campbell River Atom Hurricanes had an amazing undefeated season in the Vancouver Island Female Atom Hockey League, and this past weekend they repeated the feat.
On Feb. 27 the Hurricanes became the 2015-2016 VIAHA Female Atom League Champions with an impressive 9-0-1 record to finish two points above their fiercest competition, the Oceanside Icebreakers, whose only loss was to the CR Hurricanes. Of the nine victories, Hurricanes goalie McKenna Harris recorded two shutout wins.
The Atom Hurricanes capped off their perfect season this past weekend by capturing the playoff Championship. Playing in Parksville at Oceanside Arena, the Hurricanes beat the Sooke Thunderbirds 7-4 in their semi-finals. Oceanside won their semi-finals against the Peninsula Eagles in what could only be described as the longest and most tense game of the season. Tied 4-4 going into the third period, it was not until 10 minutes into double overtime before the Icebreakers could get past Peninsula to secure their spot in the finals.
In Sunday’s championship game, the Hurricanes’ Callee Stromme opened the scoring in the first period, but Oceanside quickly answered with a goal of their own. Tied 1-1 going into the second, Oceanside took the lead early in the period. Kaylie Riecker, tied the game 2-2, keeping the Hurricanes in the game. Oceanside answered by turning up the heat and putting up two more goals.
Down 4-2, an unfamiliar situation for the Hurricanes, Mackinley Whalen scored to bring the Hurricanes within one. With another goal by Stromme late in the second period, the game was tied 4-4 going into the third.
The third period was the Hurricanes time to shine. Kate Steele scored the go-ahead goal seconds into the third. Brooke Desmet increased the lead by two less than 20 seconds later. Oceanside could not get past the Hurricanes defense Raci Frumento, Dana Kenny, Akira Isaac, and Desmet. Sealing Oceanside’s fate, Samarah Drygasuk scored, assisted by Elizabeth Bettenson and Emma Deagle.The final score was 7-4.