Mar 08, 2016 | Rob Knorr | 1460 views
Grand River Atom LL Champs!
Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else. - Vince Lombardi
Looking for quotes today to try and sum up what this team has accomplished was difficult one but this one rang true for so many reasons. From day 1 the boys weren't afraid of hard work, skating and working on their own skill development that saw them progress throughout the year and emerge as Grand River Champs!
As for the playoff run what is there to say? After loosing a tough battle to LL3 and beating the previously undefeated 1st place team twice and 2nd place team once who only lost once all season, the boys just kept on the gas, improving more and more as each game passed. Winning the next 4 gave us the number 1 seed in the playoffs as we awaited our opponent in the final. Looking forward to a series against our buddies on LL1 was dashed by Beverly 1 who as mentioned went undefeated in the regular season but struggled in the playoffs. We knew they had something to prove and they came out in game one ready!
Our boys were equal to the task as they came out strong as well to the familiar anthem of My House by Flo Rida and road solid goaltending, timely scoring and great penalty killing to win 6-3. Our second game saw the Beverly team that went undefeated as they pushed the play and had us back on our heels. We never wavered, the kids never got down on themselves and believed they could do it. Even when Beverly tied the score in the 3rd we pushed back and almost won in the closing seconds. Maybe the kids are too young to feel nervous but one thing I know I was! After winning the faceoff and having skated their hardest for 35 minutes in regulation, they pushed again, forced some turnovers and Sam. W scored the OT winner! I'm sure your grandpa was smiling down on that one Sammy! Although Sam scored, it was a team effort that got him the opportunity to put it in. Shout out to Ryan W. who returned after a lengthy illness to gut one out, to Zack K. whose cough sounded like he was a veteran coal miner and to Coach Bobby who treated the kids to some sparkling grape juice in celebration. The pictures are great of the kids drinking out of the cup and spraying each other. It was awesome.
In local league you get a mix of talent, some of the boys have already been playing for 6 or 7 years while others were playing their first year of organized hockey. Since day 1 every player was welcoming of each other, helped everyone get better and was truly the reason for our success. I know for the coaches it was no more evident then when players took it upon themselves who normally scored goals were passing to try and get those who hadn't scored a few for themselves. Its because of the kids that this team was a team and it played so well together and a testament to our parents and our community for raising such fine gentleman....I didn't just mention gentleman did I ;)
Thanks to Hayden J. and Reilly C. for being the Tailors of the Tangled Twine for us all year having a goals against average of less than 2 and to coach Craig who worked with them every practice to improve their game. To our excellent defense and Coach Bobby who provided them with the foundations for excellence in the future. Jayden B., Zach B., Tanner A., Evan H., and Jayden C., a special unit, blocking shots, scoring goals and making stops.
To the best trainer in the league Coach Scott who kept us safe, tied and retied skates, would have found a way to sharpen them I am sure and for being a constant positive and motivational force on the bench.
To the forwards who really worked hard playing both ways, were unselfish and always willing to help each other out. Kohen P., Zack K., Sam W., Josh B., Ethan G., Ryan W., Spencer F., Easton M., and Stuuuuu L. great season boys!
To Coach Mark who had a game plan from day 1 and stuck with it, for teaching us to be better players, people and coaches and provided a positive, calming influence for our players.
We wrap up a great season with a tournament in Waterford April 1-2.
Congratulations boys CHAMPS!
-Coach Don