The Minor Atom A New Hamburg Huskies officially began
their 2016-17 season at the "Break the Ice" tournament in Ajax this
weekend.
The boys played their first game Friday morning against a strong Whitby team. After giving up a fluke goal in the first minute of play they settled in allowing only one more marker the rest of the way. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to get one past the Whitby goalie and ended up losing the game by a 2-0 score. After some fuel and fun back at the hotel, the boys were back on the ice later in the day to play a quick and determined Kingston team. Promising a better showing at the offensive end the Huskies looked dominant tallying 5 first period goals on their way to a 10-2 victory against a stunned Kingston team. The outcome was a result of a total team effort with each forward line tallying at least 1 goal, another 2 goals coming from the defensive core and our goaltender making some big saves early to give the team momentum.
Having enjoyed more fun and games back at the hotel Friday night and indulging in a decadent breakfast Saturday morning, the boys prepared to do battle with the undefeated Clarington Toros at high noon. In a match-up that will rival the excitement and intensity of any of the upcoming world cup games, both teams came out firing on all cylinders. Played at breakneck speed, both teams exchanged good scoring chances early and both goalies had to be sharp. The Toros eventually opened the scoring by going top shelf late in the first. But like waves crashing on the shore these little Huskies just kept coming, eventually tallying a pair of goals to take a 2-1 lead midway through the second. New Hamburg's strong physical play led to Clarington tying the game before the end of the period when after numerous penalties were called on both teams, the Toros capitalized on a 5-3 powerplay. The third period mirrored the first two with great individual and team effort on both sides of the ice. NH scored early in the third but was unable to hold the lead as Clarington scored with 4 minutes remaining and the teams skated to a 3-3 draw.
Next up was a rematch in the semis versus Whitby. While creating more scoring opportunities than in the first game, the boys were only able to tally one goal through the first two periods and found themselves down 2-1 entering the 3rd. Refusing to quit, the Huskies tried time and time again to break through the Wildcats tenacious defence but just fell short bowing out to the eventual champions 2-1. After briefly reflecting on their weekend accomplishments with coaches and families the boys relaxed and enjoyed the remainder of the evening by taking in an exhibition game between the Oshawa Generals and the Kingston Frontenacs.
Throughout the weekend the boys represented themselves, their families, and the New Hamburg hockey community in exemplary fashion. If the team continues to work hard and conduct themselves in this manner we can expect great things from this cohesive unit as they continue on with their season. Great job team!
Go Huskies!