TILTING, NL – Two things come to mind for Brent Broaders when he thinks of the Maritime Junior Hockey League championship he won on April 19 with the Yarmouth Mariners.
First, the 19-year-old from Tilting, on the northeast coast of Fogo Island, thinks of Conner Peveril’s highlight-reel goal with just over five minutes left in overtime in Game 4 to clinch the Canadian Tire Cup.
“It was the most beautiful goal I’ve ever seen,” said Broaders, a five-foot-11, 180-pound left-winger.
The Mariners swept the best-of-seven MHL final series against the Campbellton Tigers.
What happened immediately after the goal makes him chuckle at the memory. As is custom with series-clinching overtime goals, the winning team jumps the bench and rushes to celebrate with the hero.
Broaders attempted to do that, but got held up when he and teammate Logan Timmons got stuck trying to go through the gate at the same time. He doesn’t remember who went through first after the logjam, but he does remember shedding his helmet and gloves in celebration.
The win served as a form of redemption for the Mariners, who lost in six games to the Edmundston Blizzard in last year’s final. Broaders remembers that tough loss and how it fuelled the team heading into this season.
“It makes you appreciate (the win) more having lost last year,” he said.
Injuries set Broaders back a bit during the first half of the year, but he still managed to put together a strong season. He finished with 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 42 games.
His strong played continued into the playoffs, as Broaders posted 16 points (9 goals, 7 assists) in 14 post-season games.
The Mariners will represent the MHL at the Fred Page Cup eastern Canadian championship May 1 to 5 in Amherst.
“Hopefully, we will make some noise in the tournament,” he said.
The winner of the four-team Fred Page Cup will advance to nationals May 11 to 19 in Brooks, Alta.
