Oak Leafs Hockey Club 2005-2006 Season

End to a Winning Season - Garrison League Champions 2005/2006
by Sergeant Chris Tucker

The 2005/2006 season has come to a successful end for the Oakleafs. On Monday, 03 April 06 the Oakleafs were able to accomplish two things. First, they were able to get the monkey of their back and finally beat the Vets club after a five-year drought. Second, the Calgary Highlanders team was able to bring home the Garrison League hockey Championship. The final game saw the Oakleafs take the game 5-3.

The Oakleafs started the first period with a little spring in their step by skating hard, fighting for the puck, and getting numerous opportunities in front of the net. The scoring opened with a goal from Cpl James Hutchison and was followed by another goal from Chris Wilson.

After a great first period the second period belonged to the Vets. This period saw them score three unanswered goals. During the second intermission, some words of encouragement by the coach WO David Turnbull helped rally the team and help us concentrate on the final frame.

The third period belonged to the Oakleafs where the team was able to rally three goals to seal the victory. Cpl Matt Bird started the ball rolling when he scored early in the final frame to boost the team and tie the game. Pte Darren McCallum scored the go-ahead goal after a great effort at the side of the net. Cpl Matt Bird then sealed the win when he scored his second of the night.

Arguably the hardest worker on the team, Capt Simon Cox played with full intensity to pick up 3 assists for the night. WO Mike Smith played one of his best games all year between the posts making the key saves when a scramble ensued in front of the net. Mike, standing tall in the net was instrumental in the team’s victory. Defensively, the team was able to limit the offensive punch of the Vets through the solid performance by MCpl Keith Kenny, 2Lt Bochler, and Pte Dan Dalidowicz and add to the offensive effort with some well timed and placed point shots. The offensive effort was rounded out by the efforts of players like Cpl Sean Taylor, Cpl Ben Forrest, and Ryan Johnson.

The team would like to thank all the members of the regiment who came out, watched the games, and cheered us on during the good games and the bad. A thank-you goes out to the oldest serving Private in the regiment for playing the pipes and giving the team that extra boost at the start of the game. The team is now focused on the next season where we will see some players return to the line up.