Following a two-year break in men’s ice hockey regionals due to COVID-19 restrictions, 2023 presented the opportunity to get back on the ice. CFB Gagetown was selected to host the Canadian Armed Forces Atlantic regionals January 23 to 26.
The 14 Wing Greenwood men’s team started out from the get-go, enduring adversity from the moment it left Greenwood: the day began with a freezing rain and snow storm, which saw 10-plus centimetres fall – which resulted in one of the team’s vehicles colliding with a truck en route to Gagetown. Thankfully, there were no injuries – but this started many a conversation among the occupants.
The tournament schedule was condensed into three days, which meant every team would play two intense games per day. Greenwood’s first game January 24 against CFB Halifax saw the Bombers take a 3-1 lead, but holding to a 4-4 draw after 60 minutes. There was no resolution after a five-minute three-on-three overtime, which then forced a shoot-out – and the Bombers failed to make the winning goal.
Greenwood’s second game of the day was against 12 Wing Shearwater, a back-and-forth battle that saw Shearwater coming out on top 5-4.
Other action January 24 saw Shearwater defeat Gagetown 75, and Gagetown beat Halifax 10-7.
This result put the Bombers in a “must win” situation against the host team, Gagetown, January 25. Following 15 minutes of regulation time, the Bombers found themselves down 3-0 but, as a team, they stormed back with seven unanswered goals (four by Corporal Williams and three by Corporal Hawes) to cinch a final 8-5 win.
This game’s mental resilience and fortitude became contagious, as Greenwood headed into the semifinal game that evening, once again against Gagetown. Here the teams played with confidence and discipline, easily coming out with a 9-3 win. In an earlier game that same morning, Shearwater defeated Halifax 6-3 to head directly to the championship.
January 26, with Greenwood in the final against Shearwater, play was an evenly-matched test between two competitive rivals. Though nearly all members on both teams have lasting friendships with each other, this became a competitive “war” – but remained a clean, hard fought and respectful battle. The Bombers prevailed with a solid defensive game, holding a 2-1 lead throughout the third period to clinch the gold medal in the 2023 Atlantic Regional Men’s Hockey Championship.
Greenwood will now head to the Canadian Armed Forces nationals in Wainwright February 26 to March 3.
The 14 Wing Bombers would like to thank 5 CDSB Gagetown and their Personnel Support Program staff for hosting the tournament, as well as recognize all the continued support here at home, from 14 Wing leadership and our PSP staff.
