Having endured some tough early season losses, the NH
Minor Atom A Huskies headed to Owen Sound this past weekend to compete in the
Regional Silver Stick tournament feeling good about their recent successes that
allowed them to climb over .500 in league play for the first time this
season.
The boys' resolve would be tested early with a first game matchup against the one-loss Centre Wellington Fusion. From the drop of the puck the Huskies imposed their will on a surprised Fusion team. With the entire team working in unison the Huskies were able to control play early on resulting in numerous good scoring chances. The Huskies finally broke through with the opening goal midway through the first when the Fusion couldn't account for all the New Hamburg players around their goal. Before the period was over they would add a second goal on an extremely well-executed powerplay.
As the second period began the boys continued to take the play to their opponents. All the tireless work the coaching staff had put in with the boys leading up to the tournament was on display. The breakouts that they worked so hard to improve upon in practice now appeared to be second nature to them. Whether it was a defenceman carrying the puck out of their zone or a forward chipping off the boards to a streaking centreman, everything was working. As the second period came to a close the score remained 2-0 Huskies.
The third period began with the Fusion playing with a heightened sense of desperation The Huskies, however, remained calm. Each time Centre Wellington pressed, New Hamburg responded turning them away time after time. When the buzzer sounded to end the game the score still read 2-0 Huskies and the boys proudly left the ice knowing they had played their most complete game of the year.
Several hours later the Huskies were back on the ice to face the hometown Owen Sound Jr Attack. Having expended so much energy in the morning the boys were a step slow early on. They allowed several good scoring opportunities in the first but strong defending allowed them to finish the period tied 0-0. As the game went along the Huskies began to create some of their own opportunities and were able to capitalize, scoring goals early in the second and third period. When the game ended the Huskies had put in a workmanlike effort in securing their second 2-0 victory of the day.
After a long day, the boys relaxed with a fun filled team dinner where their ability to get along so harmonously was on display for all to see. Once the team was put to bed the coaching staff and some parental advisers showed true dedication by remaining up late into the night strategizing for next day's games (or something like that).
Game 3 on Saturday morning would see the Huskies faceoff against an Innisfil Winterhawk team who had put up 19 goals on the first day while dismantling their first two opponents. Two penalties early in the first would test the Huskies resolve, but despite being in their own zone for much of the period the defence played brilliantly and they were able to escape the first tied 0-0. As the second started New Hamburg began to counter the Innisfil attacks. Many of the Huskies shots just missed their mark but eventually a shot bulged the twine midway through the period giving them a 1-0 lead and a big boost of confidence. The score remained that way until late in the second when an Innisfil player corralled a rebound and deposited the puck into the net to tie the game at 1-1 going into the third. The third saw both team's exchange scoring chances but, with Huskies pressing for the go ahead goal, the Winterhawks were able to score giving them a lead that they would never relinquish, eventually winning the game 3-1.
Satisfied with their efforts but disappointed by the results the boys had to quickly regroup to face the Oakridge Aeros at noon knowing that a victory would secure them a place in Sunday's semifinals. From the start, the Huskies took control of game. With the forwards flying up and down the ice and the defence jumping into the rush New Hamburg was able to score early twice and lead 2-0 after one. The game continued this way throughout the second and third periods with the Huskies scoring 2 more goals and securing their third shutout of the tournament while beating the Aeros 4-0.
A rematch with Centre Wellington awaited the Huskies on Sunday morning with the winner moving on to the finals. This time around Centre Wellington controlled the play early on but could not break through the New Hamburg defenses until early in the second period when a Fusion player deked around the Huskies team and neatly deposited the puck in the back of the net. Soon after that CW struck again to give themselves a seemingly insurmountable 2 goal lead midway through the second period. But just as it seemed to be slipping away the boys dug deep and began an all-out assault on the Fusion net. Their determination and grit paid dividends as they were able to score with two blasts from the slot evening the game at 2 -2 early in the third. Both teams continued to battle until luck sided with the team from Centre Wellington when what appeared to be a harmless pass from behind the net, came out front, deflected off several skates, and ended up in the back of the Huskies net putting them down a goal. The boys continued to press but in the end were unable to score and fell 3-2 to the rival Fusion.
While the boys were very disappointed not to make to the tournament finals they came away from the weekend knowing that all the hard work they have put in this season is beginning to pay dividends. They are beginning to realize that not only can they compete with but they are able to beat some of the top teams in the OMHA.
Keep an eye on these Minor Atom A Huskies as it appears as though their best days are ahead of them!