It had the makings of a perfect storybook ending. Team Saskatchewan was appearing in the hockey gold medal game at the Canada Winter Games for the first time since 1995.
That year the golden goal was scored by Patrick Marleau from Aneroid, Saskatchewan. Now, 28 years later, Marleau was having his number 12 jersey retired by the San Jose Sharks, the first player in franchise history to receive this honour.
It would be only too perfect if Saskatchewan could re-create the feat and win its second gold on his special night.
Thus the stage was set for what turned out to be one of the most epic championship games ever played as Team Saskatchewan and Team Ontario squared off on Saturday, February 25.
Saskatchewan jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Kash Andresen (Saskatoon/ Saskatoon AAA Blazers) and Cole Reschny (Macklin/ Saskatoon Blazers).
A goal by Ryan Roobroeck (London, Ontario) cut the deficit in half midway through the third period. Ontario then tied the game as Quinn Beauchesne ( Ottawa, Ontario) scored a powerplay marker a minute later.
Saskatchewan was able to kill off a late Ontario powerplay and the game went into overtime.
For the overtime the teams played three on three.
With the highest skilled players at this age level on the ice usually these overtimes are decided quickly as players take advantage of the extra open ice.
Enter the outstanding play by goaltenders Logan Edmonstone (Saskatoon/Saskatoon Contacts) and Jack Ivankovic ( Mississauga, Ontario).
Time after time the two turned away shots with seemingly impossible saves until finally Matthew Schaefer (Hamilton, Ontario) redirected a pass through the legs of Edmonstone midway through the second overtime period to give Ontario the win.
Life doesn’t always end like a storybook.
What you can take away from this week was how well Saskatchewan played.
While disappointed with missing out on that gold that was literally millimetres from their grasp, the silver medal was well-earned.
In pool play the team defeated New Brunswick 4-1, Manitoba 4-0 and Quebec 5-2. They defeated Nova Scotia 7-2.in the quarter finals.
This set up a rematch with Team Quebec. Saskatchewan advanced to the final by virtue of winning that game by a score of 4-3.
The three Warman Wildcats were major contributors to the team’s success.
Jaxon Herchak provided leadership in his role as team captain. The rock solid defenceman was a impentrable force in front of the net and delivered more than one bone -crunching check.
He also contributed on the score sheet with a pair of assists.
His defensive partner Carsen Adair was solid on defence and was among the leading scorers for defenceman with two goals and four assists.
Kazden Mathies is the Warman Wildcats leading scorer, continued that offensive prowess with four goals and three assists at the Canada Games.
While he’s a highly-skilled scorer, what sets Mathies apart is his complete game. He is the epitome of a 200-foot player, working hard on the back-check and in the tenacity in which he kills penalties.
The players will be returning to their U18AAA teams as the playoffs begin, giving fans an opportunity to see the future stars of tomorrow.
Perhaps there is another Patrick Marleau-type player among them.