Women’s Tritons capture Pacific Cup

The Women’s Tritons hockey team are all smiles in their team’s dressing room after winning the CARHA Pacific Cup championship game at Oak Bay Arena on Jan. 20.

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

The CFB Esquimalt Tritons were crowned tournament Champions of the CARHA Pacific Cup hockey tournament women’s division on the weekend of Jan. 20.

A shootout goal by Major Pam Harris of Naval Fleet School Pacific gave the base team a 2-1 victory over the Jal Design Panthers of Port Alberni, and bragging rights in the annual recreational hockey tournament held at arenas across the Greater Victoria area. 

The Tritons recorded a loss on their opening game of the tournament before rebounding with two wins in the next two games of the opening phase.

In the championship game Major Harris’ well-directed wrist shot to the top right corner of the net proved to be the game winner. Their victory in the Oak Bay arena was then cemented when Tritons goaltender Cpl Katie Sawatzky made the game-winning save on the final shot from their opponent.

“All the old adages about teams coming together, building chemistry and rallying for the win actually happened and what a great feeling it was,” said Tritons coach, Petty Officer First Class Dave Hillier following the win.

Major Harris, who plays defence, also had a hand in her team’s opening goal. The Tritons tied the score in the second period when her shot from the blue line deflected off teammate Captain Amanda Lauder and into the goal. After breaking the scoreless deadlock in the shootout, Cpl Sawatzky was mobbed by teammates following her game-winning save.

“It was all hugs and high fives as our bench emptied after Katie’s save,” said Maj Harris. “The victory puts the team in a great frame of mind and is a real morale booster for us heading into next month’s regional tournament in Manitoba.”

Maj Harris, a military police officer, has played with the Tritons for eight seasons. She is currently attending courses at the fleet school so she won’t be able to attend the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) West Regional tournament in Winnipeg Feb. 11, 12 and 13. Esquimalt are the tournament’s defending champions but will be without Maj Harris and few other key players due to their work commitments.

Tritons Team Manager Sergeant Nikki Ducharme says the Tritons team is always looking to attract new players to its lineup and can even supply equipment through Personnel Support Programs (PSP). Those interested in joining the team are encouraged to contact her via e-mail Nicolette.Ducharme@forces.gc.ca or phone 250-363-7150.