The Saanich Braves T2 bantam reps wound up 2013 in style, winning the Richmond International Hockey Tournament with a thrilling 6-5 overtime win over the Everett Jr. Silvertips on New Year’s Eve.
Ryan Strange buried the game winner 12 minutes into the extra frame, converting a pass from defenceman Jake Wilhelm.
The Braves won their pool with a 3-0 record, then beat Richmond 12-1 in the quarter-finals and Cloverdale 6-2 in the semis to advance to the final.
Marty Westhaver led Saanich in scoring over the tournament with 22 points. Goalies Lance Johnson and Stephen Neale were solid, posting a collective 2.00 goals against average over the weekend.