Memories honoured and made during ball hockey provincial in Medicine Hat

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The CD patch above the number 77 of one of the two jerseys on display behind the U18 Scorchers teams benches in memory of former player Christian Doll. Jesse Gill/CHAT News

Christian Doll passed away on July 26, 2024 at the age of 15 after being hit by a vehicle while on his moped in the south end of Medicine Hat.

To honour his memory a jersey with his number 77 and last name on it was displayed behind the bench of both U18 Scorchers teams during each game of the tournament.

A number of Doll’s former teammates as part of each of these roster.

The U18 Scorchers Blue team also honoured Doll during it’s first game of provincials.

They started the game one player short, leaving a spot open on defence as a way to honour Doll’s memory.

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The GCBHL Scorchers U18 Blue team taking the opening draw with a playing coming on to fill the spot on defence left open in memory of Christian Doll. Jesse Gill/CHAT News

Scorchers head coach Keith Maier said there was full support from Ball Hockey Alberta, the opponent and the officials.

“The Edmonton coaches said we will make sure our players sit back till you put your second defencemen out,” Maier said.

“It was an honour to be able to honour Christian and try to show our support to his family,” he added.

“We will continue to honour and remember him.”

There wasn’t a gold medal finish for the U18 Scorchers Blue team, but they were able to earn a silver medal on the B side of the tournament.

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Christian’s father Mike Doll and step mother Celina Symmonds pictured holding the Scorchers jersey made in honour of their son along with the U18 Blue team. Courtesy/Gas City Ball Hockey League

Christian’s father Mike Doll through social media thanked those involved for honouring his sons memory.

“Thank you to Gas City Ball Hockey League, the teams/players especially our U18’s and parents for everything that was done to remember Christian and carry him forward, at ball hockey provincials,” Doll said.

“From flying his jersey on the U18 benches, having his initials on all MH jerseys, starting a game with an open spot on D, and inviting us to be part of team pics….it all meant so much to us,” he added.

“The scores didn’t matter that much but seeing some of Christian’s best friends and past teammates compete for their buddy, sure did.”

Doll said they were also grateful for the beautiful comments and stories they received at the rinks over the weekend.

“Thank you to everyone, and thank you for remembering our boy,” Doll said.

“Special thanks to my buddy, and a guy who had the chance to coach Christian more than anyone likely, Keith Maier. Well done coach. Thanks!”

The Scorchers opponent in that first game, who waited for the extra player to get on the floor ended up taking home top spot in the U18 division.

An all Ball Hockey Edmonton final had the Red Dogs defeating the Stars 8-4.

An exciting final in the bronze medal game of the A side had the U18 Scorchers Silver team taking on the Sherwood Park Ballhogz.

That contest went to overtime before team captain Colby Gulliver snuck one through the pads of the Ballhogz goalie with 1:39 left on the clock to give the Scorchers the 5-4 win, and third spot.

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The Scorchers U18 Silver team took home third place in the A division. Courtesy/Gas City Ball Hockey League

The U15 Scorchers Blue team which also included some former teammates of Dolls, went on a run all the way to the A finals before dropping a close game with the Grande Prairie Dynamite 4-3.

The Scorchers had a 3-1 lead heading into the third period, but the Dynamite battled back with three in the final period.

The final Dynamite goal scored with under a minute on the clock to break the tie in tough fashion, and leaving the Scorchers U15 team with a silver medal.

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The Scorchers U15 Blue team took home silver in the A final. Courtesy/Gas City Ball Hockey League

A single Scorchers team was able to bring home top spot in the tournament.

The U9 Silver team won gold on the A side after a dominant 8-2 win over the Sherwood Park Ballhogz in their final game.

Five different players found the back of the net for the Scorchers in the win.

Liam Baumback scored three, Seth Sokolan had a pair, and Lucas Leidal, Ethan Seelye, and Hudson O’Reilly each scored for the Scrochers in the championship game.

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The U9 Scorchers Silver team won top spot in their division. Courtesy/Gas City Ball Hockey League

The U9 Scorchers Blue team earned silver in the B finals, dropping a very close 4-3 decision to the Spruce Grove Vipers.

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The U9 Scorchers Blue team won silver in the B event. Courtesy/Gas City Ball Hockey League

The U11 Scorchers Blue team won gold in the B finals with a 6-3 win over the Ball Hockey Edmonton Thrashers.

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The Scorchers U11 Blue team won gold in the B event. Courtesy/Gas City Ball Hockey League

The Scorchers U13 Silver team won bronze in the A event, 5-2 over the Sherwood Park Ballhogz.

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The Scorchers U13 Silver team won bronze in the A side of the tournament. Courtesy/Gas City Ball Hockey League

The Scorchers U13 Blue team won bronze on the B side, scoring with 20 seconds left in the game to send it to overtime with the Spruce Grove Killer Bees tied at one.

Gauge Mackenzie scoring in overtime to secure the Scorchers win.

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The Scorchers U13 Blue team won an overtime thriller for bronze in the B event.

The only other local team at the tournament, the Scorchers U11 Silver team didn’t make it to the medal rounds.

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The Scorchers U11 Silver team played four games over the weekend. Courtesy/Gas City Ball Hockey League

Memories were made over the four days, for those who will remember the games, and those remembering a former teammate.

by Jesse Gill

Memories honoured and made during ball hockey provincial in Medicine Hat

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