Prince Rupert, B.C. — After a journey across the waters to Prince Rupert, the Haida Gwaii Islanders hit the ice ready to make some waves of their own at the annual Old Timers Tournament.
With hockey teams from Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, and Smithers in the mix, the Nov. 1 to 3 tournament was packed with both over-35 and over-50 vets still showing off their best moves.
The Islanders’ tournament opener was a nail-biter, but they came up just short, falling 5–4 to the home team from Prince Rupert.
Islanders Matt Janzen, Derek Chutter, Michael Cote, and Alexi Verduman each found the back of the net, keeping the team within striking distance in a hotly contested match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
After a hard-fought loss, the Islanders made the most of their second game, skating to a satisfying 4-2 victory over the Kitimat-Stikine over-50 squad. Verduman scored a pair, joined by Adrian Lowther and veteran Don Hancock, who delivered the goods and brought that Haida Gwaii spirit onto the ice.
Returning from an injury last year, Hancock quickly dusted off any rust, performing with the energy and skill that have defined his career.
Game three saw the Islanders battling it out in a true showdown against Pioneer Upholstery of Terrace, only to face a tough 4-3 overtime loss. Verduman continued to shine, lighting the lamp twice more, with Mike Allen adding to the score.
Verduman’s performance was outstanding, netting five goals over three games and earning him the team’s MVP honours. Reflecting on the experience, player and general manager Behn Cochrane summed it up best: “Good times were had by all.”
Cochrane also gave a nod to Verduman’s standout efforts, adding, “Thank goodness we had Alexi.”
Tournament organizer Brett Stava praised the Islanders’ impact on the event, saying, “It’s awesome to see how much passion and love for the game the Haida Gwaii boys bring to the tournament — that’s what this is all about! It’s truly inspiring watching these guys and a good reminder to all of us why we play and love the game.”
“When they first started coming to the tournament, they weren’t competitive. The passion was always there, but now they can compete with almost anyone in the tournament. The steady progression is a testament to their dedication — they’re definitely the favourite team by fans and players alike, and we love having these guys as a staple in our tournament.”
With the tournament over and the team back on island, you can catch a glimpse of these Haida Gwaii legends hitting the ice when the cold weather settles in.
Once the mud bog in Port freezes, or if the temperature drops enough to transform Mayer Lake into a natural rink, these seasoned players are back in action.
And if you’re driving through Tlell, you might even be lucky enough to spot local hockey legend Don Hancock himself, gliding across the Green Man Pond, a cherished sight for any true fan of Haida Gwaii hockey.