Truro, Nova Scotia

Colts Badminton headed to Nova Scotia to compete in the Badminton National Championship hosted by Dalhousie AC, their first trip to Nationals since 2018, where the team won Bronze for Men's Doubles. This tournament would be a big challenge for the team as it marked their first time competing since the sudden passing of Head Coach Jolyon Thompson.

Before the tournament, Colin Zhou continued his winning ways, as the stand-out rookie was also announced as the 2023 CCAA All- Canadian.

During round-robin play, it was much of the Same for both Colin and Vishal, as both men's singles players cruised through their 6 matches, with Vishal's only loss coming to Colin.

For mixed doubles, the team couldn't find the magic they had during the OCAA championship. After losing their first game to the eventual Champion George Brown Huskies, the mixed team of Ninh Le & Deniese Scott would win their second match before losing their final two. The pair would win their second match in the 5/6 playoff draw to finish 5 in the nation.

With the round-robin complete, it was Zhou and Dave at the top of the table, seemingly almost assured that they would meet in the finals again for the 4th time this season.

With the semi-finals set, Vishal Dave would go up against Thomas Ashton from the UKC Blue Devils, a player that Dave narrowly beat in 3 sets in the round-robin. This time around, it would be Ashton who would prevail as he battled Dave through three close sets, pulling the match out 23 - 21, 21 -23, 21-18. With the loss, Dave was out of contention for Gold or Silver but would have an opportunity to medal in the 3/4 match-up to win Bronze.

In the 3/4 match-up, Dave would take control early and never look back, winning in straight sets 21-9, 21-6. With the win, Dave was awarded the Bronze medal, finishing 3rd in the country.

For Zhou, it was his tournament to lose, the stand-out rookie, who has yet to drop a set all year, was all business in the semi-finals, dispatching Jack Gilles in straight sets 21 - 12, 21 - 12. He would look to avenge Vishal's loss to Ashton in the Finals.

Colin Zhou (OCAA) and Thomas Ashton (ACAA) were a match of opposites. Ashton, a methodical and calm player appeared to be thrown into sorts trying to keep up with the chaotic and frenetic play of Zhou. Ashton played determined and under control but was outdueled as Zhou danced and darted around the court, picking up points on seemingly impossible plays, forcing Ashton into one uncomfortable position after the next. Ashton appeared to run out of gas near the end making an unforced error off of Zhou's serve to give Zhou the win and the National Title. After the win, Zhou collapsed to his knees and roared with enthusiasm before standing up and hugging coach Liz Duong.

Speaking to Liz Duong about her thoughts on the tournament and coaching place of her mentor and colleague Jolyon Thoposon "After the news of Jolyon passing and facing the fact that he was not going with us to nationals, the team pulled together through the weeks to play in honour of Jolyon. Jolyon's long time goal is to make history for Centennial and our team did that by sending 3 teams to play at nationals, messing silver and of course, winning gold for the first time for Centennial [...]

Nationals was an awesome experience, a huge appreciation for each of the players for being there for each other and making it so memorable on court and off court. Jolyon was a part of every game. Congratulations to all our athletes, Coach Jolyon and I are so proud!'

With the win, the Colts secured their first national title across the Varsity program in decades.