Jan 28, 2013 | Matt Domm | 981 views
Semi-Finalists at International Silver Stick Finals
(submitted by team correspondent Scott Soulliere)
This past weekend the 'Novice A' Huskies traveled to St. Clair Shores,Michigan to represent New Hamburg at the 29th Annual Mite International Silver Stick Tournament.
They kicked-off the weekend on Friday morning with a match-up against the West London Hawks. Our Huskies battled bravely throughout the game but were unable to solve the London netminder. Dropping the opening game by the score of 3-0, the boys knew that they would need to win their final two round robin games to advance. The first of these was against the Manon Rheaume-coached Suburban Stars (Farmington, Michigan).The Huskies pressured throughout and cruised to a 7-0 victory.
This set up a winner-to-advance tilt against the Eastern Ontario Cobras on Saturday morning. Trailing 1-0 late in the second period, the Huskies punched their ticket to the playoff round with two quick goals by linemates Tate Brenner and Ben Domm. The 2-1 victory earned the Huskies a date with the Montgomery Blue Devils (Rockville, Maryland) in the quarter finals. Montgomery did not surrender a goal in the preliminary round but the Huskies quickly put an end to that streak. The New Hamburg boys scored early, pressured often, and skated away with a 5-1 win. The victory ensured that, for the fifth time in five tournaments, the Huskies would see Sunday action.
Sunday morning brought a rematch with West London in the semi-final. Our boys were fired-up and it showed on the ice. Strong defensive play,relentless back-checking, and solid goaltending would keep the game scoreless through two periods; but, early in the third, the Hawks got the ice-breaker. The Huskies battled right to the end but were unable to answer, ultimately falling 4-0.
Despite the loss, it was a great weekend for the boys. They were extremely good ambassadors for New Hamburg both on and off the ice as they lived the tournament motto: "Citizenship and International Goodwill through Silver Stick Hockey". It was truly a terrific experience for the players, coaches and parents alike. Memories were made and friendships were strengthened. Congratulations boys on another successful tournament!