The Similkameen News Leader
Sports Page - February 20, 2007
POSSE ENDS BEST SEASON WITH LOSS
The Valley First Princeton Posse brought an end to their best ever season in franchise history with a loss at home to Golden.
Princeton's final season stats show a win-loss-overtime loss record of 18-29-4 for a total of 40 points.
Their February 17th game against the Jets was an interesting match.
Princeton played strong throughout and made some amazing attempts, but by the time the boys had put something together on ice, Golden would scoreSagain.
Golden was only leading 2 to zip after the first period had ended, but extended their lead to 7 goals before Princeton was able to score. By this time netminder Evan Karambelas pulled himself out of the game for Tanner Sheridan. Both goalies played extremely well, although they were constantly beaten by Golden.
Princeton's first goal of the game happened with only 1:48 left in the second period. Eric Galbraith got the marker with Brett Van Riper earning an assist.
Fan support boosted morale as the entire team came out in the second intermission to help with the lucky puck toss. It must have done something to the players, as they were a different team in the final period.
Peter Purves scored Princeton's second goal of the game at 3:20 with assists credited to Drew Knowles and Brett Van Riper. Then at 6:56 Brett Van Riper blasted a pass from Mike Salter from just inside the blue line. It sailed into traffic in front of the Golden goal and found it's way into the net. Van Riper had no idea what the outcome of his shot was until the goal light started to flash. Alex Young also earned an assist on the play.
By now the Posse was firing on all cylinders and played every move for the balance of the game with precision and speed. Unfortunately it was too late to pull out a win.
Golden got their eighth goal at 7:51 but Princeton did not give up adding another of their own at 14:25 when Dan Hillman took a pass from Alex Young and went behind the Jet goal with it.
When the opportunity presented itself, he passed it out front to Jeremy Wagner who popped it into the net.
Final score: Golden 8, Princeton 4. Shots on goal: Golden 26, Princeton 20.
POSSE AWARDS PLAYERS AT BANQUET
The Valley First Princeton Posse brought an official end to their fifth season with their annual Awards Banquet. This year the event changed format into a luncheon which was held at Young Life of Canada's spectacular RockRidge Canyon facility.
Mayor Randy McLean spoke highly of the team and all the elements that were necessary to keep the franchise running in the small Similkameen Valley town.
"We've come an awful long way and we owe that to the coaching staff."
McLean also tipped his hat to the large number of volunteers who work, often behind the scenes, to make game nights possible.
"Without them I don't know how this would pan out." McLean then went on to thank the players for being such good citizens of the community they play in.
"You mean a lot to us and we are grateful for that. You are great guys and great ambassadors for our town and we thank you for that."
Stan Turner, representing the Board of Directors, listed off many people who deserved thanks for the past season. The list went from volunteers to players and from the coaching staff to office staff and everyone in-between.
Posse General Manager Blair Noel said he was disappointed that the team was not about to enter the first round of playoffs but that didn't hide his pride for the team.
"Being our fifth season I think this has been the best team we've had." Noel pointed out there were only five veteran players on the roster while others had moved on up the ranks of the hockey system, to which he credited the work of Head Coach Dale 'Duner' Hladun.
Before the Posse awards were presented, Jim Manion and Jordie Cook made a presentation to Posse players Brett Van Riper and Michael Bunting in appreciation for their help with Princeton Minor Hockey's Midget Flyers team.
The Most Sportsmanlike Player Award was presented to Riley Ferster with Jordan Lane being named Most Improved Player. The Hardest Worker Award went to Brett Van Riper and Peter Purves was named Unsung Hero.
Alex Young was honoured as Best Offensive Player with Anthony Leardo named Best Defensive Player.
Fan Favourite was Mike Salter with Liam Darragh named Rookie of the Year.
The Most Valuable Player Award went to Mike Salter.
In his closing remarks, Hladun became caught in the emotion of the moment.
"That was a good year," he barely managed to say and following a pause to compose himself he added, "Thanks, boys."
