We hit the road early yesterday morning to take part in the Grafton Tyke Tournament. After a very long day (three games, twelve hours, one movie, and a few team meals later), we returned home as champions!
Our first game was against the Clarington team. Jarrett gave us an early lead with an assist from Aidan, but our opponents managed to tie it up a few minutes later. Sam put us back in front with helpers from Josh D. and Caleb, but Clarington tied it up yet again. We bounced back quickly and retook the lead with a goal from Seth, and he also added an insurance goal late in the game thanks to an assist from Owen D. It was a great game for all of our players. Owen V. was terrific between the pipes, and Caleb and Connor were a solid defensive pairing throughout the game. We moved on to the semi-finals.
In our second game, we faced one of the two Ennismore teams in the tournament. We built up a comfortable lead in this game thanks to some outstanding goaltending from Owen V, solid defending by all of our blueliners, and a balanced offensive attack. Seth, Sam, and Cowyn all scored unassisted goals to put us ahead 3-0. Jarrett scored our fourth with assists from Sean and Quinn, and Maguire added another insurance goal with helpers from Cowyn and Owen D. We gave up a few late goals, but held on to record a 5-2 win. There were many standout performances in this game as well. Griffin had a chance to play up front and he caused the other team a lot of trouble in front of their net. Ryerson also had a strong game, contributing at both ends of the ice. We had qualified for the championship game.
We had a long 5-hour break before the final game. The boys rested up by watching the Lego movie and refueled with team dinners at a few local restaurants. By 7pm, they were raring to go!
In the final, we took on the other Ennismore team. Seth put us in front with an unassisted goal, and Josh D. scored his first goal of the season to double our lead, assisted by Cowyn and Seth. Owen V. continued his very strong performance in goal by stopping several breakaways, and Josh G. did a great job of shutting down their top forward. Halfway through the game, Seth added another to stretch our lead, and Sean knocked in a loose puck to make it 4-0. Ennismore scored a few to cut the lead to only two goals with a few minutes remaining, but Seth completed his hat-trick to secure an exciting 5-3 victory for the team.
Thanks to everyone that was involved in our successful day. Many dedicated parents and other family members made the trip to loudly support our team. Our coaches and trainers did a great job of preparing the players, and keeping them motivated until the job was done. The players skated hard and played well all day, and they fully deserved their victory. Well after dark, a convoy of vehicles left Grafton to head home to Lindsay, filled with tired, happy kids clutching their trophies.
