The South Delta Warriors have seen plenty of tough competition this season competing at the highest level in the "C" Division of the PCAHA. But it is the battles with their own friends and school mates during the Party in da House Tournament that have proven to be the most challenging and rewarding.
The boys were all looking forward to the hometown event knowing that, at least for the last few games, they would all be together for one of the few times this season. Unfortunately, that didn't happen as Nathan Simms, a key team player, was knocked out of the line up due to concussion suffered during one of the last league games of 2011.
The first game proved that the Bantam draft was well done in terms of balancing teams.
Coach Paul Kirk's Angry Mob, backed by the the giant goaltending of Declan Bostock and solid play by their entire lineup proved to be a stern test. The teams skated to a 4-4 tie at the end of regulation time and it took eight shooters from each side for the Warriors to finally prevail. Game two saw Blazers goaltender Timothy MacDonald-Bain turn in an outstanding performance as the Warriors won a game that easily could have gone the other way.
With two wins behind them, the Warriors thought they could challenge all comers until they met the incredible will of the Wolves. Netminder Joel Bourque was outstanding throughout and when the Warriors broke a scoreless deadlock in the late going, it looked like it was over.
That's when the Wolves stepped up and the sheer determination of Jamil Walji sent the game to a shootout. The quick hands of Kyle Moorehead netted the Wolves the winner, leaving the Warriors with a 2-0-0-1 record and their spot in the final very much in doubt.
In their final round-robin game, the Warriors knew they were facing another tough opponent with a lot of depth. Ken Mattice's Moose certainly lived up to expectations delivering a very physical game with a strong attack plan and smart defensive play. With goaltender Nick Worsnop's phenomenal sprawling saves, the Moose were difficult opponent. It took the full three periods but the Warriors eked out another win to secure their spot in the final.
The rested Wolves awaited and it was another great battle. There was more incredible net minding from Bourque, along with explosive efforts from Kieran Tan, Carson Hale and Moorehead.
Thing got really interesting when the Warriors lost their focus and spent too much time in the penalty box. They were able to reel themselves in time to win the game and the honour of representing South Delta in the upcoming Delta Cup.
