The Miniota-Elkhorn C-Hawks with the THHL league trophy following their win over the Killarney Shamrocks on Saturday in Virden’s TOGP: (rear l-r): Coach Keith Orr, Curtis Gardham, Kyle Lougheed, Brad Cole, Jason Bowles, Shawn Bowles, Jayce Soder, Taylor Sanheim, Josh Martin, Damon Bajus, Logan Brennand, Cody Rookes, Brad Bowles and Coach Garth Mitchell; (front l-r) Colin Paull , Cory Gardham, Dillin Stonehouse, Tanner Kyle, Dustin Fisher, Bray Rookes, Equipment Manager Jed Quoquat, Bryce Kyle, Stacy Lowes, Zeenan Zeimer, Ian Oliver; missing, Drayton Shiner. On March 30, Taylor Sanheim’s second period marker was the game winner as Miniota-Elkhorn prevailed 3-2 over the Killarney Shamrocks in game four in Virden. With that victory, the C-Hawks won the best-of-five championship series, 3-1. It was the second straight league championship for the Miniota-Elkhorn squad after it claimed the 2023 title in its first THHL season after moving from the North Central Hockey League.
“I really feel that our guys’ committed work ethic and desire were huge for us,” C-Hawks coach Garth Mitchell said. “Killarney was a strong roster that battled hard, and Brian Archibald was very solid in net. Defensively, I thought our team played very well and did not give much up in five-on-five play. A solid team effort.”
The C-Hawks will now represent the THHL in the Senior A provincials. A schedule was not available at press time. Of the provincials, Mitchell said:
“Our focus will be a continued commitment to solid defensive structure and good puck management. As always in senior hockey, if you are playing in April you know that you are up against a very talented team. Our guys are looking forward to the challenge.”
Miniota-Elkhorn swept its way through its first three THHL playoff series. In the finals, the C-Hawks shut out Killarney in game one, 4-0, before falling 6-5 in overtime in the second tilt. A 7-0 shutout in game three gave Miniota-Elkhorn the opportunity to clinch in game four.
Jason Bowles paced the THHL in playoff scoring with 36 points in 12 games. Sanheim was tops in goals with 17 in 12 contests. Brad Bowles was the THHL leader with 22 assists in 11 games. He was the THHL playoff MVP.
Game Four - C-Hawks 3, Shamrocks 2
In Virden, the C-Hawks jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead thanks to goals by Brad Bowles. One came on the powerplay.
In the first period of the second frame, the Shamrocks tied things up at 2-2 with powerplay markets by Jordan Robertson and Rylan Gudnason. Sanheim scored with just under five minutes to play to give the C-hawks the lead again.
M-E goalie Cory Gardham made 19 saves. Brian Archibald had 38 for Killarney.
Game Three - C-Hawks 7, Shamrocks 0
Cory Gardham stopped all 23 shots he saw to backstop the C-Hawks to a game three victory that gave them a 2-1 series lead.
“Our team played a great defensive game … and really limited their quality scoring chances,” the netminder said. “They kept everything simple.”
At the other end, the C-Hawks ensured there were plenty of goals. In regard to the C-Hawks’ offensive prowess, Cory Gardham said:
“It’s always fun to watch our team from back there. We have a great group and some talented hockey players so getting a front row seat of what they do each night is pretty exciting.”
Brad Bowles led Miniota-Elkhorn with four points, including a goal. Curtis Gardham and Shawn Bowles each lit the lamp twice. Jason Bowles and Brad Cole also scored for the C-Hawks.
