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West Van hockey club alumni light up playoff ice for the Maple Leafs

Toronto players Morgan Rielly and Alex Kerfoot, both from the Hollyburn Huskies program, have both scored game-winning goals in the past two games against Tampa Bay
Jordan Copp

Two alumni of a North Shore hockey club are lighting up playoff ice in the NHL.

Toronto Maple Leafs players Morgan Rielly and Alex Kerfoot, both from West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Hockey program, have both scored game-winning goals in the past two games of their team’s series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Rielly brought it home on Saturday, with his overtime goal, resulting in a 4-3 victory. Two days later, the Leafs found themselves in a similar situation. This time, Kerfoot scored Monday night to make it a 5-4 final for Toronto.

Michael Allen coached Rielly and Kerfoot while they played for the Hollyburn Huskies, who were also under the guidance of Andy Rielly, Morgan’s father.

Allen says the year he coached Rielly and Kerfoot in the bantam league was one his most memorable.

“That team had some great players including Morgan Rielly and Alex Kerfoot, and we had a great year. We ended up upsetting the North Shore Winter Club in the playoffs to earn a berth into AAA provincials in Victoria,” Allen said.

For Allen, being able to watch former players of his thrive in the professional league is a proud moment.

“I just sit back. It’s fun to watch them and it’s fun to throw the Morgan Rielly jersey on and watch the game at Hollyburn,” he said. “People come up and say ‘Hello’ – ‘What’s it like?’ or ‘How’s Morgan?’ and it’s just fun to cheer them on.”

Rielly and Kerfoot are still actively involved in the Hollyburn club, explained Adam Hayduk, hockey director for the Huskies.

“Both Morgan and Alex always give back to the Hollyburn Huskies program when asked. They always provide silent auction and raffle prizes for tournaments,” said Hayduk. “Morgan makes appearances whenever possible and lends his name to the Morgan Rielly U13 Remembrance Day Tournament. This past season, we hosted a U8 division instead. Always a well-attended and great tournament.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs now lead the series 3-1 against Tampa Bay. The team’s next game is on Thursday.