Xtreme Capture First
HTJHL Championship !!!
The Springfield Xtreme claimed the 2017 Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League Championship by successfully winning the final best of seven series four games to two over the Red River Mudbugs. This was the fifth time the Xtreme have been in the League Final, but the first time in fifteen seasons the Club has won the Championship since entering the League back in 2002.
Riley Welsh lead all players with twenty-four points in fourteen games during the post season and picked up three points (2 Goals & 1 Assist) in the final game. Linemates, Matt Lamoureux (2 Assists) and Colin Poitras (1 Goal) were dominant during the final game and helped lead the team toward a final score of 3-0.
Starting goalie Quinn Walterson, earned the shutout in the game stopping all 25 of the shots he faced and finished the post season with a record of 10 wins and 4 losses while posting a League leading 1.70 Goals Against Average. Xtreme netminder Ethan Hrehirchuk's win in Game #1 of the series, in St. Jean, proved to be the difference in the end as it was the only game to be won by either team during the Final series "On the Road".
Jesse Mitchell (Team Captain) lead all defenseman during the playoffs with eighteen point (1 Goal & 17 Assists) in fifteen games played. Together with defensive partner Garrett Smith (10 Points) were counted on throughout the series for their steady play. League Defenseman Of The Year winner, Trevor Weimer and partner(s) Caleb Green; Brett Lockhart & Steven Maslechko all added to the teams defensive style of play limiting the first place Mudbugs to just nine goals through six games in the final. Injured Defenseman, Ryan Preston was unable to play in the final series. Ryan had two points (1 Goal & 1 Assist) in the 4 games he played.
Matt James picked up two goals in Game #1 to secure the team's first win in the final after returning from an injury in the opening series against Mitchell. The line combination of Evan Hanson, Noah Kostiuk and Riley Thomsen were key during the final series as they both shut down the Mud Bug's forwards but produced the overtime winning goal in Game #3 !!!
Forwards Nate Renooy, Quinton Prokopec and Justin Scammell were instrumental in Game #6 keeping Red River's top line off the score sheet to secure the win while forwards Paul Binda; Austin Frame, Ethan McDuffe, Ben Naaykens & Jayden Wolfe all contributed to the team's first ever Championship Banner !!!
The Championship was extra special to graduating players Paul Binda & Garrett Smith both 4th Year players as well as Austin Frame; Noah Kostiuk & Brett Lockhart (3rd Year Players) who have all been through some "tougher times" during their tenure with the Club. The team will also be saying a fond farewell to defenseman, Caleb Green (3rd Year) who is pursuing his career out of Province next season.
The Hockey Club would like to thank ALL their graduating players for their commiment and dedication to their program and welcome them all to the growing number of "Xtreme Alumni" players over the past fifteen seasons.
Both Players and Staff would like to thank the termendous support the Community provided the team throughout the post season and especially during Game #6 in Oakbank, where over 300 fans packed the Oakbank Arena to cheer on the Home Team !!!
The Club would also like to thank their Team Sponsors for all the Support they have provided over the years:
Oakbank Physiotherapy
Kelly's Bar & Grill
Oakbank Convenience
Oakbank Credit Union
Pine Ridge Dental
Oakbank Pro Shop
Deacon's Corner
Poplar Press
The Ranch & Dash Fitness
Thank You All !!!
See you next Season ...
