Southern Shore, Deer Lake set to face off — for the first time ever — for senior hockey glory
It's east vs. west for the first time since 2019
Hockey fans in Newfoundland might say the fight for the Herder Memorial Trophy is back to how it should be in 2023 — the best team in the east versus the best team in the west.
The top prize in provincial senior hockey hasn't been fought for on Newfoundland's west coast since 2019 due to COVID-19 and the West Coast Senior Hockey League not operating in 2022.
But that will change Friday night, when the Southern Shore Breakers travel to Deer Lake to face the Deer Lake Red Wings.
Friday will also mark the first time the two teams have ever faced off.
Gary Gale, Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador's chair of senior hockey, says it's shaping up to be a great series as the Herder is welcomed back to western Newfoundland.
"It's the holy grail, I suppose, of amateur hockey in the province," Gale said Wednesday. "Getting your name on a Herder, for players and teams that compete for the Herder, you know, that's the top crown."
The Breakers come in as defending champions, having won the trophy for the sixth time in an all-east coast final last year. The Red Wings won the trophy in 2001 and 2005 and are making their first appearance in the Herder final since 2008.
Red Wings head coach Darren Langdon, a Herder champion in 2005, says it's exciting for the team to make their return. He knows the Hodder Memorial Centre will be buzzing on Friday.
"It should be good, and you know it's good to have the Herder back out on the west coast," Langdon said Thursday.
Langdon says there is a air of mystery surrounding the matchup but he's confident the trophy will return to the west coast.
"If our players play what they're capable of playing, I can't see us not being able to beat anyone on the island. But … we don't know much about them, and it will be nice to get the first game under our belts."
Breakers playing for sidelined goalie
Breakers general manager Ian Sullivan said his team is excited to play in their third straight Herder final and want to take the trophy back to the Avalon Peninsula for their goaltender, who's recovering after his heart stopped during a game in the Avalon East Senior Hockey League final.
Sullivan believes the Breakers can win with their speed, skill and defence — and are eager to make sure the Herder stays in Mobile.
"It's very important to us, to you know, get this championship and look to making a dynasty with this team," he said.
"This is a good team, a tight-knit group. They got a few more years ahead of them and they want to make something of it. Make history, be remembered."
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