Two seasons ago, the North Delta Secondary Huskies boys ball hockey team went winless throughout their entire season.
Last season, they lost on a technicality to rival Seaquam in the Delta finals.
On Sunday, May 28 they emerged triumphant, clinching the B.C. provincial championship after an impressive five-game win streak.
The team’s path to provincials included wins in the Delta Championship and the Fraser Valley Championship, culminating in their exhilarating gold medal win at the North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex.
The Huskies dominated their opponents throughout the provincial tournament, carrying the majority of the play.
In the round-robin preliminary, NDSS beat the Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary Titans, Maple Ridge Secondary Ramblers and defending champions the Panorama Ridge Secondary Thunder, scoring a total of 13 goals while allowing only five against.
The Huskies went on to best the Tamanawis Secondary Wildcats 4-1 in the semifinals before beating the Pitt Meadows Secondary Marauders 2-0 in the gold-medal game.
Consisting mainly of Grade 11 students, the squad brought together players from North Delta Secondary and the Delta Hockey Academy, which is based partly at NDSS.
This unique blend of talent and culture fostered a strong bond among the athletes — both on the floor and in the classroom — and the impact of the team’s success extends beyond the game itself, unifying the school and the entire community.
On the day of the gold-medal game, the team’s only two Grade 12 members, alternate captains Tanveer Dha and Reece Mann, exemplified exceptional leadership by taking their teammates on a visit to their Sikh temple.
The gesture not only showcased the team’s commitment to inclusivity, but also deepened their connections within North Delta in a way that that extends beyond the arena.
In the crease, Mathias Hasselmann played a crucial part in the Huskies’ success — including his shutout performance in the final game — and earned recognition as the tournament MVP.
The offensive charge was led by forwards Brogan McNeil, Jakob Oreskovich, Brayden Willis and Derek Thurston, while defenders Linden Burrett, Nash Holmes, Jack Sears and Noah Macdonald played a vital role in maintaining control of the game and keeping the opposition at bay.
Coaches Rob Grewal and Josh Redmond expressed their immense pride in the Huskies, emphasizing how their student athletes have not only grown into a formidable team, but also become positive role models for their school.
Grewal further highlighted that this inaugural championship sets a strong foundation for the program, paving the way for future success as ball hockey continues to flourish in Delta.
“Being able to witness the growth and development of these young men has been truly remarkable,” Grewal said in a press release. “They have not only honed their skills on the ball hockey floor, but have also demonstrated outstanding character and sportsmanship. They have become role models that our community now look up to.”
Redmond echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the significance of this championship for the Huskies and for the broader community.
“Every player knew their role. Winning this championship is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it sets the stage for a thriving ball hockey program at North Delta [Secondary],” Redmond said in a press release. “We want to see the sport grow and provide opportunities for everyone. Ball hockey is for everybody.”
The Huskies are currently engaged in a fundraising effort to buy championship rings to commemorate their accomplishment, undertaking various activities and seeking out sponsorships and other initiatives to gather the necessary funds.
Anyone interested in donating or sponsoring the team is asked to contact the school at 604-596-7471 or northdelta.sec@deltaschools.ca.
SEE ALSO: Fundraising drive launched to bring Team Ukraine to Canada Cup in South Surrey
editor@northdeltareporter.com
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