Kooper Kozmeniuk's hat-trick paced Powell River U15 Kings to a 5-3 win over Semiahmoo Ravens in the gold medal game at the Pat Quinn Classic in Burnaby on December 31.
Grayden Kendrick and Reid Stekman also scored for the Kings, who led 2-0 after the first period and 4-1 prior to the opening faceoff in period three. Assists were credited to Cooper Lawry, Lucas Gruntman (two), Kozmeniuk, Carson Laing and Stekman.
“I am just super proud,” stated Powell River coach Scott Peters. I am thankful that they had the opportunity to go through this. What a stage."
Powell River defeated Ridge Meadows 6-2 in the semi-final the previous day. Kozmeniuk also scored a trio of goals in that game. Stekman scored twice and Gabriel Calderone had the other goal as well as two helpers. Gruntman set up three goals, with help from Laing on the final marker of the game.
“I’m glad to have this opportunity to come and play and show off all of our talents and have a lot of fun," stated U15 Kings defender James Barrows. "It’s been daunting because a lot of people don’t recognize our small-town, tier-three team. Nobody expects us to compare to the tier-one teams. We showed them who we are: little town, big heart.”
Powell River defeated North Vancouver and Surrey by identical 7-4 scores during the round-robin portion of the tournament. Their only blemish came in a 4-3 loss to Cloverdale.
“I think the rings are quite the eye opener; it’s a pretty special moment for them, added Peters. "I’m sure they’ll remember it for a long time.”
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