The Burnaby Winter Club captured the 2016 Western Bantam Championship with a thrilling 3-2 win over the host team Rocky Mountain Raiders. Burnaby Winter Club went undefeated in round play at the Western Canadian Championship. The 2016 Championship was hosted in Okotoks, Alberta from March 31, 2016 – April 3, 2016.
In the Championship game, Burnaby jumped out to a commanding 2-0 lead, but the Raiders were able to battle back to tie the game. Late in the third period and with them down a player, the Winter Club scored a shorthanded goal to seal the 3-2 victory. It was Massimo Rizzo with the Championship goal for the Burnaby Winter Club.
On Saturday evening, the awards were handed out for the Championship. Sasha Mutala, Massimo Rizzo and Kaden Lane were named to the All Star Team for the Championship. Mutala picked up the highest honour being named the MVP of the Western Bantam Championship.
Earlier in the day, Lethbridge captured the Bronze medal with a 2-1 overtime win over Winnipeg.
This is the third year in a row that a BC team has captured the Championship. The North Short Winter Club captured the Championship in the previous two (2) years.
The prestigious Western Canada Bantam Championship features elite level 13 and 14 year old male players in Western Canada, many of whom will be drafted in the upcoming 2016 Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft.
For more information on the 2016 Western Canada Bantam Championships, including schedule, scores and results, please visit the website.