It was an exciting
end to LL2's hockey season this past Saturday. The team hit the road and headed
to the Harry Howell Arena in Waterdown for the final game of their best of three series vs. the Beverly
Bandits.
With the teams tied at 1 game a piece, it was winner take all! The game started off with a quick
goal for Beverly. The tension was mounting as the Flames battled the Bandits into the end of the
first period with no reward for their efforts. This did not deter the group as they continued
their campaign against the Beverly goalie who was proving to be their toughest challenge of the
game. Eventually, with some impressive stick handling and speed, Spencer Ross beat out the
Bandits and evened the score. At 1 goal a piece, these two teams continued their quest for gold.
The Flames were impressive. Continually they outpaced their opponent with no reward. Shot
after shot, between the Beverly goalie and some bad luck that drew the puck to the crossbar,
they didn't get the goal they were looking for at the end of regulation. This meant overtime.
The Flames kept to their form and looked good. Caleb Van de Wiel shut the Bandits down in an
intense breakaway opportunity which landed the puck on the stick of DJ Ross, who knew just how
to take it end to end and seal the fate of the LL2 Novice Ayr Flames. Emotions were flowing in
the stands and on the ice as these amazing boys were crowned Grand River Local League 'A'
Division Champions! What an incredible hockey season for these boys. An undefeated regular
season record of 16-0, an overall record of 32-4-4, these boys are a team of beasts!
We would like to say thank you to the all the coaches and helpers for their time and effort all
season. You guys are the best!
Picture: Back Row L-R: Coaches: Brian McIlravey, Brian Carter, Jeff Rowley, Keith Page
Front Row: Jacob Carter, Garrett Hickey, D'Arcy Mason, Liam Mason, Spencer Ross, Cole Hanson,
DJ Ross, Derek McIlravey, Jackson Dinney, Caleb Van de Wiel, Hudson Maycock, Carter Witzel
Missing from Photo: Tristan Weiler
Thank you to Stephanie Mason who did a fantastic job writing our articles all season!