Losing in the finals of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League playoffs didn’t overshadow performances by two Okanagan Hockey Academy teams.
The OHA hosted the CSSHL playoffs from March 9 to 11. The prep team coached by Brian Pellerin lost to Edge School 3-2 in overtime.
“I was really happy with how we played,” said Pellerin. “Guys competed hard. They gave everything to try and win.”
The OHA played the Pursuit of Excellence in their only other game and won 1-0. Pellerin described the final as a back-and-forth affair.
“Both teams played very well,” he said. “Just a couple bounces. Likely best game we have played all year against the Edge team.”
Pellerin said both teams gave up quality chances.
In the Varsity Division, the OHA Black opened with a 2-1 overtime win against the SISEC Selects, then defeated the OHA Red 3-2 in overtime. They lost to Edge School Gold 5-1 in the final.
OHA coach Erik Olsen said playing in the championship was a terrific opportunity for his players.
“After two previous highly emotional games to earn that right, the boys found themselves facing the one team in the CSSHL they hadn’t beat yet this season,” said Olsen. “We congratulate Edge Gold who was the better team that day.”
Olsen said they worked hard all season to reach the playoffs.
“We played two of our best games of the year when it counted,” said Olsen, who noted their fan support grew during the championship. “I am very proud of our efforts in the playoffs and our overall compete level. We never quit and we battled through three very intense and difficult games.”