The younger generation relished the opportunity to bask in the glory of an age-old tradition on Penelakut Island.
The Under 5 Mini Thunder soccer team enjoyed a victory parade through the island’s community with horns honking and No. 1 fingers pointing skyward after winning its division in a Campbell River tournament.
Long-time island resident Donna Brown, who’s seen many of these victory parades over the years, noted the kids were “absolutely adorable.”
Brown and her husband Mark Brown Sr., a Cowichan soccer star in his heyday, were on their porch cheering on the little ones as much as anyone.
The Thunder kids lost their second game and had to fight through the back door to become champions, playing nearly back-to-back games to reach the top.
Michelle Sam and John Kwaksistala coached the team. The players include: Khole Kwaksistala, Cole Jack, Allysa Charlie, Analeese David and Kora Korpi.
There was also a U13 Mini Thunder team in Campbell River, coached by Loren James and Travis Brown. The team made it to the final and lost to Chehalis, playing some great soccer during the weekend.
And the Senior Thunder put on a good show for the kids with a 3-2 record, but injuries caught up with them in the end.
The team defeated Songhees 3-1 to start things off on two goals by Mark Brown Jr. and one from Michael Daniels.
The Thunder then edged We Wai Kai 2-1 in the second game, lost to Kingcome 5-2 and beat Chehalis 4-3 to make the final four. Title hopes were dashed with a 3-1 loss to Musqueam, with the Thunder having no replacement after its goalie was hurt in the game.
Kingcome defeated Musqueam to win tournament.
Shane Brown and Daniels received all-star status from the team.
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don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
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