The Atom LL2 Huskies kicked off the New Year by competing in
the Paris Wolfpack Minor Hockey Local League Tournament at the Brant Sports
Complex. The eight team tournament had
the Huskies playing some dynamite hockey and cemented their status as a
well-disciplined squad with a great work ethic and team spirit.
GAME ONE
The team drew the Paris Wolfpack LL1 squad as their first opponent on Jan 2nd 4 pm. In their previous match against this team, the Huskies felt the bite of a 7-2 loss. Having healed their wounds, the Huskies came out ready to settle the score.
Down 1-0 deep into the second period , the Huskies fought their way back onto the scoreboard courtesy of a terrific goal from Jack Rempel, assists coming from Ryan Yost and Quinn Klasnic.
The third period had the fans on the edge of their seats, as New Hamburg continued to apply pressure and forced several Wolfpack turnovers. Rugged play from the Huskies defencemen and clutch saves from goalie Shaun Zwosta kept out the opposing pucks for an eventual 1-1 tie.
This game truly displayed the team’s improved skills, positioning and work ethic. Given the previous bout between these two teams, this was a major leap forward for New Hamburg.
Player of the Game went to Jack Rempel for his tenacity and crucial goal to keep his team in it.
GAME TWO
The Huskies were back on the ice the next morning Jan 3rd to face off against an unfamiliar challenger in the Mitchell Meteors. In the hole 1-0 heading into the second period, the Huskies continued to battle against a well-matched opponent. Huskies forward Owen Burns persisted with strong play and finally found twine by snapping one past the Mitchell goalie to notch it up 1-1 heading into the third period. The team battled hard but Mitchell scored again in the final stanza to make it a 2-1 loss for the Huskies despite a gritty effort by the entire team.
Player of the Game went to Owen Burns for his aggressive play and lone New Hamburg marker.
GAME THREE
With their backs against the wall, trying to earn a spot in the tournament semi-finals, the Huskies were back at it that evening to square off against the Paris LL2 side. With the pressure on, it was evident from the opening faceoff that the Huskies had brought in the heavy artillery. Centerman Quinn Klasnic provided the first New Hamburg goal by launching one past the Wolfpack netminder, assist coming from linemate Jack Rempel.
Hungry for more, the second period had New Hamburg dominating at both ends of the rink. Forward Ben Baptie got in on the offence by lighting the lamp, firing one past the Paris goalie, unassisted.
Up 2-1 in the dying seconds of the 2nd period, Huskies forward Macarther Brennan continued his strong play by muscling the puck past the goalie and into the Wolfpack net, unassisted.
Owen Burns continued his high-octane play by scoring a third period goal, assisted by Tanner Snyder.
Domination on offence and defence, combined with strong goaltending from Shaun Zwosta resulted in a 4-2 Huskies win.
Player of the Game went to Ben Baptie for his key goal and energized play.
Despite their amazing efforts the team wasn’t able to move on into the next round of play.
Congrats to the team and coaches for their aggressive play, team spirit and never-say-die attitude!
Huskies #5 Jack Rempel pictured with his game puck
as "Team MVP" against Paris LL1