Haida Gwaii Islanders: A Team of Resilience and Grit
The Haida Gwaii Islanders hit the ice at the ninth annual Lillian Rutledge Memorial Buck & Doe Hockey Tournament from March 7-9, squaring off against tough competition in the 14-team co-ed event.
The tournament, known for its unique rules, kept players on their toes. Each team was required to have at least two women on the ice at all times. Men were capped at one goal per game, while women were allowed two. Women’s goals counted for two points, while men’s tallies were worth one. Instead of time in the box, penalties resulted in penalty shots, keeping the pace high and the crowd entertained.
The Islanders finished the weekend with a 2-2 record, showing resilience, skill, and grit in each contest.
The Islanders faced the Terrace-based Mighty Phucks in their tournament opener, falling 7-4 in a back-and-forth battle. Despite generating offensive chances, Haida Gwaii couldn’t outpace their opponents.
Terry Wallace opened the scoring unassisted. Meghan Wallace found the back of the net off a pass from Terry Wallace. Aspen Spinelli added another, converting on a setup from Todd Weisbrot. The Wallace duo, dubbed “The Ohana Line,” was a driving force for the Islanders, showing strong chemistry on the ice.
Shaking off their opening loss, the Islanders found their rhythm in Game 2, routing No Puckin’ Clue 8-1. Derick Chutter buried one off a pass from Terry Wallace. Tamo Campos scored next, finishing a feed from Meghan Wallace.
Sunni Coolin added another off a setup from Matt Janzen, while Marcus Alexander capitalized on a pass from Alan Moore. Matt Janzen scored unassisted. Alexi Verdurmen rounded out the scoring off a feed from Marcus Alexander.
In a high-energy, physical affair against the Jagr Bombs, Haida Gwaii mounted a comeback to secure a 6-3 victory. Laura Bishop, who was injured in a previous tournament and relegated to cheering the team on from the bench, summed up the intensity of the matchup: “Came from behind to win this one! This was a fast and chippy game.”
Alexi Verdurmen opened the scoring with an unassisted goal. Shaydon Leblond struck next, finishing a pass from Matt Janzen. Marcus Alexander added another off a setup from Katie Pearson.
Tamo Campos scored unassisted. Terry Wallace sealed the win, converting a pass from Derick Chutter. The game was an all-timer for the Islanders, storming back like a southeast in the Hecate.
Shaydon Leblond’s goal from Matt Janzen earned both players Goal and Assist of the Tournament honours. Marcus “Mackus” Alexander was awarded the Dust Celly Award for his celebration. Tensions ran high when Terry Wallace looked ready to drop the mitts with Rempe’s cousin, but in the end, he took the high road, shaking hands at the bench.
Islanders player Alan Moore summed it up best: “Robert goes Goalie Bob Mode on two penalty shots—huge win, legendary game, not sure I’ve ever been a part of a better one as an Islander.”
The Islanders put up an intense fight in their final game but couldn’t capitalize on key scoring chances, dropping a close 3-1 decision to the Hazelton-based Fog Duckers. Tamo Campos netted Haida Gwaii’s lone goal, finishing off a setup from Todd Weisbrot.
The Islanders left their mark on the tournament—whether on the scoreboard, the highlight reel, or just the poor soul who tried to outmuscle Terry Wallace. With goaltending heroics and a level of grit that could sand down a hockey stick, Haida Gwaii proved they’re not just here for the post-game beers. Though let’s be honest, those were well-earned.