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April 16, 2004
Rhinos are JHL champions
A strong power play helps team to sweep the final series.
KYLE BERGER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
It was one year ago that the 16 members of the White Rhinos stood
on the ice watching the Golden Bears pose and smile for a final
team picture with their championship trophy. After coming so close
and losing the final game of the final playoff round of the Jewish
Community Centre of Greater Vancouver's Jewish Hockey League (JHL)
2003 season, the Rhinos were highly motivated this year to be the
team smiling for that coveted prize and photo. And motivation played
a significant role in the 2004 playoffs, in what did ultimately
become the year of the Rhino.
A crew that prides themselves on teamwork and camaraderie –
there were three sets of brothers on this year's squad – the
Rhinos struggled at times this season, but managed to finish with
a strong 12-6-2 regular season record. Then they came together when
the games really counted, winning five straight on the way to becoming
the 2004 JHL champs.
Dean Fader, who, along with David Bakonyi, led the Rhinos as team
captains, said that it was the little contributions by each player
that helped the team succeed in the end.
"I think we realized that we needed everyone on the team to
contribute," Fader said of how his mates turned their fortunes
around. "The league was much stronger this year so you couldn't
just rely on a few guys, you really needed a team effort.
"This was our second championship and third time in a row we've
been in the finals," he continued, "so the off season
will be much enjoyed by the boys."
The destiny of the White Rhinos seemed in question in the opening
minutes of game one of the finals against the Blue Bulldogs. With
a short bench, due to injuries, it was the Bulldogs who came out
with intensity and a two-goal lead in the first period. But the
Rhinos stuck to their game plan, which included a well-organized
power play. They took a 4-3 lead into the third period and parlayed
that momentum into an 8-3 victory and a 1-0 series lead.
Game two was a much closer match on the scoreboard but, with four
goals by Jayson Spevakow, the Rhinos built a comfortable three-goal
lead in the final period on their way to a 6-3 triumph.
"They played a great team game and they didn't stop coming
at us," said Bulldog co-captain Mark David. "They deserve
to enjoy this championship."
Despite the loss, David said that he and co-captain Kyle Berger
were encourage by their team's effort and spirit.
"It was a lot of fun and we're really proud of what our team
was able to accomplish in getting to the finals," said David.
"We really committed to each other as a team and that's what
it's all about."
To get to the finals, the Rhinos defeated the Teal Lightning 6-4
in a one-game knockout round before knocking off the Red Rockets
by winning two straight games in that best of three series. The
Bulldogs, playing underdogs throughout the post-season, knocked
out the Purple Reign and last year's champs, the Golden Bears.
For more information about the JHL or any other JCC sports activities,
call 604-257-5111.
Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer
living in Richmond and co-captain of the Blue Bulldogs.
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