Huskies hang tough at Nations Cup, News, Bantam A, U15, 2015-2016 (New Hamburg Hockey Association)

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Dec 03, 2015 | Mike St. Croix | 1984 views
Huskies hang tough at Nations Cup

Parents I've added this article with a few edits from a great read out of the New Hamburg Independent

http://www.newhamburgindependent.ca/sports-story/6155893-huskies-hang-tough-at-nations-cup/



Huskies hang tough at Nations Cup New Hamburg Independent DETROIT, MI - The New Hamburg Huskies Haffner Motors Bantam A team took a break from regular season play this past weekend to complete in the prestigious Nations Cup held in Detroit this year. The tournament’s Champion is based on the overall score of your nation’s teams instead of individual success. It’s Canada versus the USA. The 2001 age group of Canadian teams consisted of seven Ontario AA teams with the Huskies being the only single A team. The eight teams competing from the USA included many high-ranked teams from within the Tier 2 ranking system. The Huskies first game saw them against Grand Rapids Griffins who are ranked 12th out of 865 teams across the USA. The Griffins came out fast and strong, being accustomed to their league where three 17-minute periods are the norm. 

The Huskies found themselves struggling at times with puck possession and positioning, but ended the first period down just 1-0 to a good team. The second period saw each team score to make it 2-1. A late third period Griffins’ defensive clearing off the boards found the empty Huskies’ net with less than two minutes remaining. The next three games put the Huskies against other top-50 USA teams. With the higher skill set, longer periods and faster tempo, the Huskies’ play improved with each game, and they held close in the scoring, representing their country well by keeping chins high despite defeat. The overall point score by the end of the round-robin found the USA teams’ group in first place. This would give them the advantage of starting the playoff round for each game with a two minute penalty advantage. The playoff matching was based on one game for each team in a do-or-die game and being awarded points for wins. Based on overall point totals out of the eight final games, either Team USA or Team Canada would be named the victor of the tournament. The final matchup saw the Dogs facing AAA Compuware who had finished the round-robin at .500. The Huskies found themselves at more than a two minute disadvantage before the puck even dropped due to a short bench. Two players had been sidelined in earlier games with shoulder and back injuries. Although the boys had many battle scars, their pride and love of the game shone bright for Canada when it was needed the most. Compuware found the netting first with a rocket from the slot to end the first period 1-0. Coach Jay D’Aguilar gave the team his version of the Vince Lombardi speech, which saw the lessons learned from the round-robin play transpire into real life success with the Huskies pulling even in the second and then ahead in the third for a final 2-1 victory. With the Huskies win and fellow countrymen following suit, their division’s Nations Cup was awarded to Canada. Canada had a commanding victory, earning eight overall age division championships out of a possible 11.

The New Hamburg Huskies Haffner Motors Bantam A team has had a good start to their season under the guidance coach D’Aguilar, Mike St Croix, Jay Fried, Ryan Fried and Alex Vink. The 2015/16 team consists of players Mavrick Habel, Carter Schwartzentruber, William Eddy, Joey Entz, Darcy Mosburger, Ryan Vaudry, Bradley Vitello, Adam Barr, Aiden Bell, CJ Egli, Brett Gruber, Cotter Hegan, Brandon Ropp, Cole Stannix, Alex Wagler, Tyson Wagler and Blake Zehr. Having completed 20 regular season games, the Dogs have earned themselves the coveted first place standing for their Tri-County Minor Hockey League Division. 

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