London West Hawks Soar The U13 B6 West London Hawks are closing out the 2025–2026 season with a record — and a culture — to be proud of. Led by head coach Steve Shaw, manager Courtney Beneteau, trainer Cienna Welch, and assistant coaches Dan Young, Eric Hughes and Shane Langley, this team has built something special. From day one, the focus has been on a true “hockey family” mentality. Players and parents alike bought into the team-first philosophy, supporting one another through every practice, game and tournament. That shared commitment has translated into success on and off the ice. The Hawks maintained first place in league standings for nearly the entire regular season, finishing undefeated against every team except West London A6. With a hard-working, never- quit mindset, the boys are now heading into playoffs ready to compete for a City-Wide title. Tournament play has been a highlight of the season, with the Hawks reaching the finals in all three events they entered. At the London Bandits Memorial Tournament in January, the team battled through dramatic overtime and shootout victories to earn a spot in the championship game, ultimately bringing home silver medals. The resilience shown in multiple sudden- death moments set the tone for the rest of the season. Later that month, at the Kevin Fegan Memorial Tournament in St. Catharines, the Hawks faced a field dominated by Kitchener teams. After advancing through a three-way tie based on lowest goals against — thanks to strong defensive play and
steady goaltending from Logan Andrew — the team powered through the quarterfinals and semifinals. In the championship game against the Kitchener Lions, the Hawks sealed their first tournament victory in overtime. The momentum carried into February’s Oakridge Classic. In a defining moment, the Hawks defeated the previously undefeated West A6 squad 4–1, marking their first win over their long-time rivals. The team continued to build confidence, advancing to the finals once again — where they met A6 for a rematch. In a hard- fought contest, the Hawks secured a 5–3 victory to capture their second tournament title of the season. Throughout the year, every player contributed, from clutch goals to disciplined defensive efforts. Win or lose, this season has been about more than banners and medals. It has been a showcase of player development, community support and what can happen when a group of families commits to something bigger than themselves. For the U13 B6 West London Hawks, 2025–2026 will be remembered as a season defined by heart.
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Byron Villager March 2026
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