The Ridge Meadows Flames have made history by securing their third consecutive Pacific Junior Hockey League championship. This victory marks the first time a team has achieved a three-peat in the league in 41 years, cementing a dominant era for the team that serves the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows community.
The Flames clinched the title after a strong performance against the Langley Trappers. This win follows a remarkable stretch where the team appeared in the championship series for four straight seasons, a run that began in 2023. The organization has been led during this period by general manager Derek Bedard, who was recently recognized as the league’s Executive of the Year for his leadership.
Several key players were instrumental in this year’s championship run. Team captain and Pitt Meadows local Zack Lagrange led the league in playoff scoring, recording 31 points in 13 games. Forward Matthew Biros followed closely behind, finishing the playoffs with 27 points.
The team also received strong contributions from rookie forward Manny Sandhu, who was named the league’s Rookie of the Year after a regular season that saw him record 13 goals and 65 points. In net, goaltender Matthew Candusso continued his standout play. Candusso, a core piece of the team’s success, finished the regular season with 24 wins in 33 games, a 0.920 save percentage, and strong performances throughout the campaign.
Under the guidance of head coach Brent Hughes, the Flames have transformed into a consistent powerhouse. Reflecting on the team’s historic achievement, the organization celebrated the milestone as a long-awaited success, noting that the team has reached a level of consistency that is rare in the league. Further information about the team and their program can be found at the Ridge Meadows Flames official website.
