The Paradise Hill Hawks celebrate their Sask Alta Hockey League title win on Saturday night in Lashburn. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos
It’s been roughly a decade, but the Paradise Hill Hawks brought the Rod Boutin Memorial Championship back to P Hill last weekend after defeating the Lashburn Flyers 4-2 in a best-of-seven series.
It was said best by Hawks forward Teddy Creech, who stated “It’s a good time to be in Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan,” following Saturday’s big 7-5 win in Lashburn.
First-year head coach, Greg Young, was having trouble finding words to describe Saturday’s excitement, but noted the continued fan support through some tough years didn’t go unnoticed.
Hawks’ coach Greg Young gets his turn to hoist the Rod Boutin Memorial Championship trophy after a 7-5 Hawks win over Lashburn to win the Sask Alta Senior Hockey League title.
“We had some tough years with teams not making the playoffs and stuff, and there are guys who played on those teams who are here now, so it’s great for them to get that, too,” said Young.
“It’s hard to put into words, (but it’s great seeing) how happy the guys are, the fan support, it’s been a long time coming for us.”
Having played together for several seasons, this year’s team has a bond envied by many, something Young noted can make a world of difference.
“These are all working guys, some even have to go to work tonight, so it’s great to see them get appreciated through fan support and the win.”
Hawks forward Riley Macnab was all smiles as his brother, Keenan, passed him the Rod Boutin Memorial Championship trophy in Lashburn on Saturday night
Hawks captain, Aaron Salzl, has been around since the team’s inception and earned his spot on the roster in his first year of eligibility.
“We started this team up about 10 years ago and there were about 10 of us that stuck through since the start, and this means the world,” he said.
“It means the world to hoist that thing and have all the fans in the stands; it feels good.”
Hawks captain, Aaron Salzl, hoists the cup after besting the Lashburn Flyers 7-5 on Saturday night to win the Sask Alta Hockey League championship in a best-of-seven series.
Senior hockey isn’t what it once was, and Salzl noted he feels people don’t give the league enough credit.
“When people hear senior hockey they think glorified rec hockey, but there’s a lot of guys that played professional hockey in this league, there’s also guys like me that played house league their whole life,” he said with a laugh.
“It’s fast hockey out there.”
As for the crowds seen during the best-of-seven series, Salzl described them as crazy.
“When you block a shot, make a big hit, score a goal, it feels like we’re at home because our fans are just as loud here as they are at home,” he said.
“They make a big difference, and it feels good to hoist this for them, too.”
For Scott McCluskey, who completed a hat trick on Saturday night, the win meant a lot.
“Words can’t describe it, just total elation right now, I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone,” he said. “Words can’t describe the feeling, it’s awesome. Everyone was working hard; just so happy right now, it’s been a long time coming.”
Teddy Creech also shared the feeling of being on the ice with his teammates after the win reminded him of Mastercard’s Stanley Cup commercials … a priceless moment money can’t buy.
“I’ve kinda run out of words a bit, it’s pretty sweet,” he said.
The Hawks started the series strong winning Games 1 and 2, with the Flyers coming back to win Games 3 and 4 the following weekend.
After winning Game 5 in P Hill on Friday, the boys were gunning for the win on Saturday for a few reasons, one being “who wants to win a championship on a Sunday?”
“We played our hearts out the first weekend and got two wins, then had our backs against the wall and human nature got the best of us (last weekend), but when you’ve got good local guys that are dedicated and ready to do it, it’s a pretty sure bet you’ve got the right squad to get things done.”
For Young, who plans on coaching next year, the future is bright, but for the time being, he’s enjoying the win with his team.
“Hopefully they don’t all retire on me,” he said with a laugh.
