West End U18 A2, coached by Andrew Casey, made a successful trip to Quebec during mid November, going 5-0 enroute to claiming 1st place at the Fifth Annual U18 Jean Labonte Provincial Tournament. The journey was not an easy one, with rivals from Aylmer, Lachute, Veaudreuil, and Laval all posing major challenges. The Semi Final was particularly dramatic, with West End tying the Laval Titans with 22 seconds remaining, and potting the OT winner three minutes into the extra frame.

The tournament is named after Jean Labonte, a native of Gatineau, who was Captain and played defense for the Canadian Sledge Hockey Team, capturing two gold medals during the World Championships and Paralympic Games, and who was the flag-bearer for Canada in the Paralympic Vancouver 2010 Games. Mr. Labonte was on hand at the tournament, presenting the West End players with their medals after the championship game.

West End U18 A2 is comprised of 14 skaters and a goalie, all but one being born in 2005. Their victory in Quebec will long be remembered by this hard-working crew, almost all of which are completing their last year of hockey in the West End Hockey League.

Great job boys!

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