Atom AE - Collinwood Regional Silver Sticks Champions
Submitted By
John Barr on Sunday, November 27, 2011
Written by Lori Spoltore.
An absolutely incredible weekend for the ATOM AE Huskies as they captured the Championship at the Silver Stick Regional Qualifying Tournament in Collingwood this past weekend. The Huskies had a 5-0 record on the weekend and their incredible sportsmanship and hard work paid off. Special congratulations to all of the AE teams, as they all had spectacular weekends, winning three titles, but more importantly representing our community with class. The bonding of the organization was outstanding as the four teams cheered each other on to success.
In pool play the Atoms took on a fast skating team from Caledonia and won 3-1. Brandon Ropp was on fire as he potted two goals, with the third going to Sam Herrle on an empty net. Corson Myers and Noah Walmsley dominated the game with their hustle and back checking and the defense was amazing. Ryan Hillar and Luke Timmons skated hard the entire game to ensure they covered their zone. Tyler Jackman was solid between the posts with several shots on goal. Jack Weiler was the player of the game, showing hustle constantly.
In game two the Huskies managed a win over Dorchester 3-0. It was a high flying game and both teams skated hard and fast though it was a choppy game and both teams got into a bit of penalty trouble. Ropp again proved to be an offensive threat as he scored two goals and the third went to Myers. Joey Entz of the Huskies defense worked very hard and Max Evans was strong in net with many glove saves. Ryan Hillar was named player of the game, with his quick hands and fast blades.
In the third round robin game, Mount Forest proved to be a challenge but the Huskies won with a score of 2-1. Jack Weiler and Adam Barr were the scorers. Outstanding defense by Timmons, as he was roughed up in the corners but got up ready to go. Mount Forest had a short bench but were physical. Penalties were called on both teams constantly and MF was no match for aggressive Scott Carey, Logan Kleine and Aidan Voisin. The Huskies were behind in the first, and didn't tie the game until the third period. Zach Hart and Jake Schweitzer were amazing and gave 100% to every shift demonstrating tremendous heart. The fans were incredibly restless but never gave up on their boys! Jackman proved to be too much for the team from Mount Forest and made clutch saves. Kleine was declared player of the game after an excellent effort.
In the semi final game, the Huskies saw the same team from Dorchester and won 4-1. Though seemingly nervous, the Huskies managed to hold on tight as Charlie Slessor chopped at a loose puck to score the first goal of the game late in the first. Hillar had a brilliant shot from the point to score the second, and Sam Herrle scored the next two. Assists were awarded to Weiler (2), Barr, Schweitzer, Kleine, and Ropp. The Huskies were in serious penalty trouble throughout the game and played much of the game short-handed. Great penalty killing by Herrle, Weiler, Schweitzer, Hart and Barr. Max Evans faced a flurry of shots but held his own. Herrle was deservedly named player of the game; a true team player.
Down to the wire, with a crowd full of fans, the Huskies took on the home-ice-advantaged Collingwood Hawks. It was evident the teams were evenly matched in the first period with no score at the end of ten minutes. Early in the second, Ropp showed up again as he tucked one by the goalie with an assist from Timmons. The fans went nuts. The Hawks were a very fast skating team and were not about to give up. Jackman was an absolute hero with his confident net play. He made many saves out of the air, and aggressively covered the puck with his body. In the third, Ropp plunked one in again as Myers stuck with the puck behind the net and was able to pass one out. The Huskies had to hang on tight, but when they realized they were the champions in the final seconds, the crowd erupted with joy!! Ropp was declared player of the game as he continues to be an offensive force. The Huskies had done it; they captured the championship of the Silver Stick, the most coveted of hockey tournaments at this level. Special congratulations to all of the Huskies that participated this weekend, and to our Atom AE Coaches who worked diligently to prepare the boys for success.
The Huskies as a result of their victory advance to the 2012 Pelham International Silver Sticks Finals Jan 5th through 8th. There will be a total of seventy-six teams from across North America completing in the Novice, Atom, Pee Wee, Bantom and Midget divisions.
GO HUSKIES!!!
