International Silver Stick Finalists!, News, Bantam LL3, U15, 2016-2017 (New Hamburg Hockey Association)

This Team is part of the 2016-2017 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Jan 09, 2017 | John Donkers | 1473 views
International Silver Stick Finalists!
The Bantam LL3 Huskies traveled to St. Catherines this past weekend to participate in their first International Silver Stick tournament. The tournament kicked off with an opening ceremony that saw teams from as far away as California and New Mexico get introduced. It was quite something for the boys to see so many passionate players and fans all gathered together.

The team opened up the tournament with a game against the Petrolia Oilers. The Oilers were able to repeatedly draw the Huskies into penalty trouble, forcing them to play much of the game shorthanded. The boys dug deep, and backed up by the ever solid goaltending of Josh Durrer were able to hang on for a 5-3 win. Their next game was in the afternoon against the BCH Icedogs. The Huskies played a much cleaner game and were able to deliver Josh a 3-0 shutout. 
The boys came into Saturday with a 2-0 record but ran into an extremely solid team from Midland. The Midland Centennials also came in with a 2-0 record but with 22 goals posted in just those 2 games. The Huskies played their best but were ultimately unable to match up against a physically much bigger team comprised of mostly second year Bantam players. The boys were able to hold the game at 0-0 until the final minute of play in the first period. It was impressive to see the Huskies dig in and continue to fight hard even as the goals snuck in. Matthew Donkers, Thomas Gallie, Tyson Lobo and Jared Vandervelde did a phenomenal job on defense and helped to keep the game close. The Huskies were unable to figure out a very strong Midland defense and so the game ended in a 5-0 loss for the Huskies.
The Huskies finished 2nd place in their pool setting up a semi-final game against the undefeated Mount Brydges Cougars. Both teams came out strong and the first period was end to end action. Both teams had several scoring chances but neither team was able to get the go ahead goal. The Huskies managed a goal in the second period and then another goal early in the third. The Cougars continued to pour on the offense and were able to close the gap to one goal. Things got tense when the Huskies ended up on the penalty kill with only a few minutes remaining in the game. The Cougars pulled their goalie for the extra attacker but the Huskies managed to find the empty net making the game 3-1. The cougars scored again, pulled their goalie, but then allowed to more empty net goals for a 5-2 win for the Huskies.
The final game was played on Sunday at 12:30. They boys once again ran up against the Midland Centennials who had won their semi-final game. The boys gave it all they had, fighting hard in the corners against much larger players. They played with a fierce determination and never gave up, despite falling behind 3-0. They capped an amazing game with a goal from centre ice in the last few seconds of the game. It was great to see such a solid effort from all of the boys. Both forward lines of Jack Schmezle, Tanner Snyder, Hayden Windley, Drew Weinacht, Owen Burns, Cole Wallace and Jonas Jarosz showed their fans a great passing and forchecking game. The boys missed having Ben Herrle at the tournament, but where thankful our AP Cam Smallwood could help out the first two games.
Congratulations boys, on bringing home New Hamburgs first Local League International Silver Stick finalist banner that will hopefully hang in our home arena. 
None of this would have been possible, however, if not for the encouragement and guidance of a fantastic coaching staff. A huge thanks to John Donkers, Peter Gallie, John Vandervelde, James Herrle and Andrew Burns for making such a wonderful opportunity happen for the team.
Written by: Andrew Weinacht
View the game at https://youtu.be/1MqbQAY_9tU
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