With the exhibition season behind them and games that will have more meaning about to begin on Thursday September 27th, the Re/Max Twin City New Hamburg Minor Peewee A Huskies entered the Essex Earlybird tournament on the September 21-23 weekend. The weekend could be characterized as a big learning experience for these young men as they competed in four games coming away with a record of one win, two losses and a tie.
Scoring is one area of concern that the team will need to
focus on in the coming weeks. As described by assistant coach Shawn Vaudry of
the 1-0 loss to hometown Essex in the first
game before the team took to the ice for game two against Flamborough, “we
outplayed them….couldn’t capitalize on our chances.” The lone goal for Essex came on the power play. Huskie goaltender Sam
Dramnitzke earned accolades for his timely saves to keep the score close.
In game two, it was Maverick Habel’s turn between the pipes
and he too didn’t disappoint making many key saves. He had the luxury of some
goal support as his Huskie team mates provided a three goal outburst and were
able to edge out a 3-2 victory. First, two newcomers to Huskie hockey teamed up
to open the scoring. Defenseman Kyle Goodhew fed a nice pass to Griffin Hergott
who tickled the twine. The lead was short lived as Flamborough tied the score
less than a minute later. Then, at 3:41 of the second period, the most exciting
play in hockey; a penalty shot was awarded to another new to Huskie hockey player,
Aiden Bell. And, he made no mistake to put the dogs ahead 2-1 on a beautiful
deak.
Bell was at it again before
the end of the frame when Luke Egers spotted Bell to spring him and Jake Schweitzer on a 2
on 1. Looking to shoot, Bell
then fed Schweitzer with a perfect saucer pass which Schweitzer banged in for a
two goal lead. Flamborough would make things interesting late in the game but
the Huskies would not be denied their deserved win.
After a sluggish first period against Woodstock in game
three that saw the teams exchange only two shots each, Woodstock took over in
the second, scoring early and often. By midway through the period the Huskies
were down 3-0. Huskie head coach Kory Green was disappointed with the numerous
“turn overs” his team committed, but was optimistic “we know now where we have
to be come October at Silver Stick and that’s the team we have to beat,” Green
added.
A rematch of game one would conclude the weekend for the
team. Looking for a little payback and revenge to negate the earlier loss to Essex, the Huskies controlled the play early. However, as
the game continued, it seemed that neither squad was allowing the first
mistake. It showed as the contest ended in a scoreless draw. The game did
highlight many superlative end to end rushes and shots on goal by defenseman
Koby Seiling though who looked like a player possessed. Unfortunately none
would find the back of the net.