2014 Novice A International Silver Stick Champions - written by Mike Eichler
The Erb Transport Novice A Huskies travelled to St. Clair Shores, Michigan and brought home the International Silver Stick Championship! The Coaches have established high goals, expectations, and determination in these Huskies and their skills rose to the top as they would not be denied a trophy that so many players will never get to say they have won. Teams travel from all over North America after winning Regional qualifier tournaments to play for this trophy.
Division wins against San Francisco 6-0, Burlington 2-1, and a 1-1 tie against St. Thomas gave the Huskies 1st place in their division. A balanced attack from forwards Jordyn Ertel, Jaxon Broda, Nolan Shaw, Josh Soulliere, Kaden Eichler, Connor Farhood, Keegan Metcalf, Dakota Dahmer and Ethan Lichti came in waves as lines would forecheck relentlessly. The tying goal against St. Thomas came from a point shot with 12.9 seconds left in the game, and was the spark the boys needed to continue to work hard as these are all tough teams and want the title as well.
A quarter final matchup against a highly regarded Dorchester Dragons team Saturday night was a 4-1 Husky win. It was the 3rd game in a row the opposition had scored first and unfamiliar territory brought determination for the semi-finals against Woolwich. The Huskies stormed out to a 4-0 lead and never let up. The Woolwich team fought hard as their quarter final game went nine overtimes of 5 minutes each late Saturday night to qualify them for the semis. Congratulations to them for battling as hard as they did.
Defensemen Beau Akey, Cohen Van Zuilen, Colin Jantzi, Brody Guerette, and Brayden Smith were all prepared for an Innisfil Winterhawks team that were undefeated this year as well. They battled in the corners, cleared our zone and took care of the ‘House’ when under attack. Every team's best defender is always the goalie and Jake Durrer rose to the top of his game not giving a rebound, and flashed the glove numerous times to shut down the Hawks. The Huskies pressed hard all game and controlled much of the play but it took until the 3rd
period for a high point shot to find the net and the Moms, Dads, brothers, sisters and grandparents in attendance erupted to cheer the boys on to victory in a 1-0 Final game. Each year, a plaque is placed in the Hockey Hall of Fame display case in Toronto listing the team names of all the Champions for that year. Congratulations Huskies!