Stefan Jensen last celebrated a hockey championship when he played bantam.
The Oliver native experienced that winning feeling again on Sunday as the Osoyoos Coyotes rolled over the Castlegar Rebels 7-1 to clinch the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League title in six games.
“It (bantam title) couldn’t even compare to what it felt like out there,” said Jensen, 19, who was on the bench in Castlegar supporting his teammates as he missed the final two games of the series due to a lower body injury. “It was amazing because we had been through so much together. We have gone against all odds all year long.”
The Coyotes became the fourth KIJHL expansion team to win a championship in their inaugural season. Castlegar was the first, in 1977.
Jensen said the celebration was unbelievable as they had approximately 30 supporters in the Castlegar and District Community Complex mixed among the crowd of 1,110 fans.
Of course Coyotes fans weren’t finished showing their gratitude. Listening to the radio, Randy Bedard of the Coyotes said the team would arrive in Osoyoos at approximately 1:45 a.m. When they did, approximately 100 fans waited at the Sunbowl Arena with signs. It was something coach Ken Law never thought would happen.
“It was great for the players to see and then the fans cheered them on as they left the dressing room,” said Law. “I think the boys went out and celebrated a little bit themselves.”
Going into Game 6, the Coyotes plan was to fire as many pucks as possible on Rebels goalie Alex Ross. Law said he knew if they did that, the Montrose, B.C. native would eventually cave. Steve Sasyniuk’s breakaway goal 35 seconds into the game gave Osoyoos a lead they never relinquished. Thierry Martine, Brock Anderson and Shane Hanna added first-period tallies, the latter coming with just 9.8 seconds remaining. Hanna, C.J. Kort and Mark Miller also tallied for Osoyoos, while Arthur Andrews’ third-period goal broke the shutout for Coyotes netminder Kyle Laslo, who made 27 saves.
“Usually we get stronger as periods go on,” said Law, noting they changed things up from preaching defence to going after the Rebels with offence. “I think we caught them off guard.”
While the Coyotes were without Jensen and Taylor House, who took a puck to the face in Game 2, which required him to get his jaw wired shut, Law said their ability to play four lines was key. It’s something they have done all season. Having players perform with others all season helped the Coyotes continue to succeed with added parts.
“It speaks highly of the talent and character we have got on our team,” said Law, who previously coached the Summerland Sting and won Coach of the Year honours.
Jensen added the players knew they had a good team from the start and key additions such as Corey Allen and Kort on the deadline solidified the team. Jensen played against Allen and describes him as a great player who brings leadership.
“You can put anyone on the ice and you are not afraid of getting scored on,” said Jensen.
While the Rebels weren’t able to force a Game 7, Jensen said they were a tough opponent.
“They are very physical, and they are very talented as well,” he said. “They play the body lots which was a real big battle for us. We’ve got a lot of bumps and bruises but it’s more rewarding when you play against a team like that.”
When both teams went through the traditional handshake, Jensen hugged his friend Erik Wentzel, who is from Westside and briefly played with him in Kamloops.
“I played minor hockey against him for a long time,” said Jensen. “He said congrats. He said we have a good chance to win the whole thing. I told him to keep his head up. He played a great series.”
Despite the lopsided score, much of the crowd stayed until the bitter end to congratulate the Rebels on a stellar season that saw the franchise reach the league final for the first time in 15 years.
Osoyoos now advances to BC’s junior B championship, the Cyclone Taylor Cup, which begins Thursday in Fernie.
-Written with files from the Castlegar News.
