The Boltz Battle

June 6^th saw the South Surrey Boltz take on the Abbotsford Jets in hopes of capturing the over title for league supremacy.

The Boltz began their journey as a team in September/10 with many of the players new to the sport of ice hockey. Some have minimal ball hockey experience and the concept was to have the rookies start by playing 3 on 3.

Practice ice is at a premium (as far as cost) and many of the players regularly attended drop-in at various locations throughout lower mainland.

The season started with eight consecutive loses, but through sheer determination, perseverance and a passion for hockey they managed to win their division’s cup!

This win allowed them to follow their dreams and challenge for yet another league championship, but this time in the spring league at Twin Rinks, located off the by-pass in Langley.

With a couple of minor changes including a change from the classic black jersey previously worn have been swapped to a newer looking pale blue.

A couple of their star (or so some think) players have left, but while some leave this opens the door to allowing new additions to play and who knows, they might be the next super-star for the team.

They are currently playing 14 games with regular 5 on 5. All of the Boltz games are located at Twin Ricks in Langley.

When the puck officially drops at 9:30 both teams are still in disbelief following the gigantic 8-1 loss of the Canucks to the Bruins in Boston.

It took some time, but Justin Chadwick of the Boltz managed to get the first marker on the board during the first part of the second period allowing them the early 1-0 lead.

Playing at this level is much faster than the previous season, but despite this tempo they managed to control their composure, despite most of the play taking part in the Jets end of the ice.

Only playing strong defensive hockey allowed them to stay in the game – score wise.

The Jets evened the score, only to have the Boltz (Honeywell) grab a late goal allowing them to maintain the lead going into the third.

Taking this lead and maintaining it can be a difficult task as Jet’s tender Tim Schumacher played equal to Tim Thomas of the Bruins.

Despite his play the Boltz did manage four more goals to pull off the 6-1 win in the early part of the season.With play getting somewhat “chippy” Boltz player Doyle was ejected.

The Boltz are currently ranked first in the league for the second time in a row.

Just shows how a rookie team can improve with perseverance, team spirit and a genuine overall passion for hockey.