The Hazelton Secondary School Spartans senior boys soccer team is heading to the Provincials after going undefeated at the Northwest Zone ‘E’ Single A soccer finals on the weekend in Smithers shutting out Queen Charlotte Secondary 5-0.

“Once again, not to be outdone by their defensive counterparts, the Hazelton offensive lines came on strong,” coach Steven Kern said of his team. “The final game was another back and forth game but thanks to the great defensive playing of Hazelton’s defence, Max Harrison, Tyrell Gregorie, Brad Johnson, Regan Kern and their keeper, Daltin Mathews, Hazelton came out with a 5-0 win to take the NW Zone Single A title and banner.”

Goal scorers in the final game of the finals included John Green who drilled in a pair but was unable to pull off the hat trick after hurting his Achilles’ tendon, along with singles from Gavin Wilson, Leslie Johnson and Regan Kern. Brad Johnson set up a two goals and picked up double assists and Tyrell Gregorie, Wilson and Kern added an assist each to the final outcome.

The Spartans first game was against Houston who they defeated 4-1. Karl Wyssen who played his first playoff game as keeper narrowly missed the shutout. Green notched two goals with Travis Smith and John Martin picking up singles. Johnson had two assists and Wilson and Kern earned one a piece.

Coach Kern added that he was impressed by Ryan Wright who put the ball just over the crossbar with an “amazing bicycle kick from just outside the six yard box.”

Johnson’s performance throughout the day earned him the All Star award and Green was awarded the tournament MVP.

With the team now scheduled to go to the Single A Zones in Abbotsford in two weeks the pressure is on to raise the money to make the trip possible.

“Now comes the hard part, raising the cash for the trip,” Coach Kern said. “If anyone is interested in helping out or donating to our trip please let us know. We’ll be holding a bottle drive on Saturday and some other fundraisers and various bake sales around the area so if keep your eyes and noses alert.”