The 2017 campaign was like a season no other for the Richmond Vipers.
This Pee Wee team from the Richmond/South Delta Minor Ball Hockey Association went undefeated during the regular season and through the city playoffs. The remarkable run continued at last weekend’s Provincial Ball Hockey Championships.
The Vipers opened round-robin play with a 3-2 win over Ridge Meadows, then doubled Valley 4-2. A 2-1 triumph against Metro sent them to the semi-finals where Richmond secured a spot in the gold medal game with a 4-2 victory over Surrey.
They would square off with Metro again in the final.
Following two scoreless periods, the teams headed to overtime where it took another extra frame before the deadlock was finally broken.
With 7:37 remaining, Dylan Nazareth fired a shot on goal. The rebound was corralled by Cristiano Sebellin and he maneuvered his way around the goalie and fired home a backhander.
This completed what the coaches felt was a fairy tale season.
“Having coached this sport for six years I am always pleased when I have a group of players and parents that are awesome and this group was one of them,” said co-coach Gio Sebellin.
“Beyond being respectful of each other and their coaches, they were also respectful of other teams, coaches, and officials. The atmosphere in the locker room was great before and after games with the kids being kids laughing and bantering amongst each other.
“Watching them grow through the season both skill wise and social wise is rewarding. Also, several of these players remember missing gold four years ago in the same arena by one goal so for them it was extra special.”
The team also includes: Damien Biddlecombe, Nathan Brown, Matthew Chan, Mathew Guzmicky, Evynn Johal, Spencer Manhas, Nathan Selley, Shane Skworoda, Ryan Smith, Maccoy Humphrey, Owen Schroter, Nate Schroter, and Ethan Tang. Rounding out the coaching staff are: Nicholas Sebellin, John Smith and Dave Humphrey.
