The Prince Rupert Raiders are champions of the Apex Mountain Shotgun Outdoor Hockey Tournament after their top showing in the Penticton tournament from Jan. 9-12. (Submitted photo)

The Prince Rupert Raiders are champions of the Apex Mountain Shotgun Outdoor Hockey Tournament after their top showing in the Penticton tournament from Jan. 9-12. (Submitted photo)

Rupert Raiders prove themselves the Apex competitors

Team had to battle the elements, in addition to their opponenets, at Apex Outdoor Tournament

  • Jan. 17, 2020 12:00 a.m.

The elements were no problem for the Rupert Raiders last weekend as they fought their way to first place in the Apex Mountain Shootout Outdoor Hockey Tournament in Penticton.

The tournament started under frigid conditions, with a temperature of -14C for the Raiders first puck drop, a late night affair that started at 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9.

The group battled through however, earning a 4-4 tie against the Ravens team to start things off. Friday’s game was shortened to just two periods due to a snowstorm, forcing Rupert into an early shootout that they would end up dropping to Flying V, following a 4-4 deadlock in regulation.

READ MORE: Prince Rupert brings home bronze medal from Quesnel

Saturday’s match was a 4-2 win for the Raiders over the Misfits, setting up a shot for the tournament title in Sunday’s deciding match.

For the fourth time in four games the Raiders put up four goals, but having once again allowed four as well meant they were back off to the shootout.

This time however, the Raiders were on the right side of the decision to score the dramatic tournament victory. Katrina Samaras locked things down in net to deny the opposing shooters and secure the win.

Trinity Stegavig and Tristan Repole delivered clutch goals in the final en route to the Prince Rupert victory.

READ MORE: Rupert hockey team keep spectators on edge of their seats as they snatch silver in Terrace tourney


Alex Kurial | Sports Reporter

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