A solid Delta contingent helped Vancouver Coastal capture ringette gold at the B.C. Winter Games in Kamloops thanks to a thrilling win over Fraser River. The local players included (left to right) Alexandra Zed, Makayla Anderson, Abbi Krzysztofik, Keeley Williams and Madison Maichin, along with head coach Lisa Cadeau.
It was an impressive haul in Kamloops for the Delta contingent at the B.C. Winter Games.
via Delta Optimist
Delta Gymnastics made quite the impression — winning 11 medals. The group was led by Makenzie Grant capturing the JO 8 all-around gold. It was one of four medals for her. Teammate Ava Lappin added three, including gold in vault. Jordan Hemrich was also a multi-medal winner.
In archery, Adam Deane brought home two medals, while Jeff Hayes was a member of the gold medal winning Special Olympics basketball team.
Delta also had a big part in the Vancouver-Coastal (Zone 5) team reaching the top of the podium in ringette.
The roster featured five Delta players —Alexandra Zed, Makayla Anderson, Madison Maichin, Keeley Williams and Abbi Krysztofik. The team was also coached by Lisa Cadeau.
The Zone 5 team completed preliminary play with a perfect 3-0 record, allowing just six goals. It was then a 7-2 win over Zone 2 (Fraser Valley) in a well-played, competitive semi-final.
The gold medal battle against Zone 4 (Fraser River) featured some of the best ringette players in the Lower Mainland and it did not disappoint with a high level of skill, effort and tactics demonstrated by both teams. It was also a showdown of two great goaltenders — Zone 5’s Anderson and Jaydie Sawada for Zone 4.
Zed erased an early Zone 4 lead on a great rush from her defensive position.
Zone 5 came out of the first half-intermission determined, and with some great ring movement and team play, got goals by Keeley Williams and Yvonne Orr in the opening two minutes of the half for a a 3-2 lead.
However, Zone 4 tied the score on a shorthanded goal with just over 10 minutes left to set up what was a great finish.
The teams continued to match chances until Pyper White scored on a beautiful shot to the top left corner for what proved to be the golden goal.
The final seven minutes were intense and loud in the packed McArther Island Sport and Event Centre but Zone 5 prevailed 4-3.
“It was an absolute privilege to be able to coach these 17 athletes,” said Cadeau. “With only six practices prior to attending the Games, you always wonder how they will come together and perform as a team.
“There is always the unknown, such as how each player reacts to the environment of an event of this magnitude, to sleeping in a dormitory format and the early mornings and long days. Therefore, coming home with a gold medal makes it even more special. I am so proud of everyone on this team.”
Players now return to their respective association teams to complete their seasons at provincials while others will re-join their Lower Mainland Ringette League AA Thunder teams.
The U14 AA Thunder are off to the Western Canadian Championships as Team BC in Saskatoon, March 21-25 and players on the U16AA Thunder, also coached by Cadeau, will represent Team BC at the Canadian Ringette Championships in Winnipeg, April 7-14.
Here’s a complete list of the Delta medal winners in Kamloops:
Gymnastics
Makenzie Grant:JO 8 women’s all-around (gold), JO 8 floor (silver), vault (gold), JO 7&8 Team (silver). Ava Lappin: JO7 women’s vault (gold), uneven bars (bronze), JO 7&8 Team (silver). Lauren Thrale:JO 7&8 Team (silver). Hunter Woodhead:Level 3 Men parallel bars (bronze). Jordan Hemrich:Level 3 Men rings (bronze). Level 3 Men Team (silver).
Special Olympics Basketball
Jeff Hayes: (gold).
Archery
Adam Deane: 2 Day aggregate boys recurve (silver), match play boys recurve (bronze).
Ringette
Alexandra Zed, Madison Maichin, Keeley Williams and Abbi Krysztofik (gold).