The Whitehorse Pee Wee Mustangs have added to their trophy case winning the gold medal in the pee wee tier three division at the B.C. Championships in Vancouver Island.

In the championship game, the Mustangs took to the ice against Powell River. The Yukon side was able to put two pucks past the Powell River goalie early and did not look back.

The team took the championship game 9-2.

Mustangs’ coach Derek Johnston said the team had a good first period and that momentum carried them through the final two frames.

“Powell River played us strong in the first,” said Johnstone. “We played probably our best period of hockey on the season and everyone got into it.”

Johnstone said the Mustangs were a confident group going into the final game.

“We were confident going in,” said Johnstone. “We knew we were a strong group and we had a good year. The team played amazing. Not to take anything away from Powell River but the team played really, really well.”

Johnstone said the medal is only the third medal won by the Yukon at a B.C. Championship and the first pee wee team to do so.

The win, Johnstone said, was a culmination of all the hard work the team put into the season.

“We really pushed them to get them better,” said Johnstone. “We were focused all year this is what we were working towards. We peaked at the right time and all bought it. It was unbelievable to the coaching staff.

“They realized how hard it is to win. Luke Cozens has been on the team for three years so he was quite emotional. It is really special. Everyone is happy.

“They deserve everything they go this year.”

Powell River was the Mustangs first opponent of the tournament. The Mustangs were able to dispatch them in the beginning in dominant fashion 15-2.

The Mustangs suffered their only loss of the tournament on Wednesday 6-2 to Terrace.

Johnston said the loss was a good way to get the team refocused.

“We had already had a semifinal game later so it is a tough mindset and tough to focus,” said Johnstone. “Having said that it knocked us down a little.”

The team had little time to reflect on their defeat as they were back on the ice later that day.

The Mustangs dropped Quesnel 12-6 to make the final. Johnston said he was happy with the team’s effort in the semifinal.

“It was a long day leading up to the semifinal,” said Johnstone. “We stayed focused, we train for stuff like that. The team played really well in the semis. They stepped up big.”

Johnstone said throughout the year the team has been a close group.

“They stick together,” said Johnstone. “It doesn’t matter who is scoring. Off the ice they are always together. No one is ever alone. Right now I am on the ferry back to Vancouver and I can see about ten of them sitting together, the others are walking around.”

This Mustangs team, according to Johnstone, has been playing together for four years and new they had a good chance.

Next for the team will be spring hockey which Johnstone said everyone is looking forward too.