Jan 23, 2017 | Jason Mederios | 1051 views
International Silver Stick Champions!
The Novice Rep Flames headed to Michigan with one goal in mind this past weekend, to bring home a title. It wasn't easy and it took all they had but this group of competitive kids managed to do just that!
The tournament started off against a familiar opponent with an unfamiliar blue puck. The boys did all they could but the new lighter puck would take a bit to get used to. They had their chances but on this day for the first time this season they couldn't manage to find the back of the net. The first game would end in a scoreless tie.
Game 2 the Flames needed a win to keep their tournament going and that's just what they did. The Hanover Falcons would take 3 different leads in this game but the Flames continued as they always do to battle their hardest. The team from Hanover would give them all they could handle but a late goal with only 6 seconds left in the game kept the flames alive and gave them a 4-3 win.
Game 3 saw the Flames taking on the Orillia Terriers. With a bit of confidence in the dreaded blue puck the flames as one Orillia coach said found their pre blue puck brand of hockey. Both sides battled hard but the flames would not be denied and found the net 10 times for a 10-0 win.
In the semi finals the flames would be facing their toughest opponent yet the two time defending champion of the International Silver Stick for Novice B the Mount Brydges Cougars. The Flames would have to battle and play a full 30 minutes of their best hockey. With a stomach bug floating around the room they had to band together and have everyone on the bench step up when called upon to win this one. The Flames managed to get by with a 2-0 win and a chance for their silver stick title.
In the finals the flames were facing the Mooretown Jr Flags one of the fastest and most well coached teams they had faced all year. The kids knew it wouldn't be easy but with their best effort and a little help from their fans they knew they could do it. Mooretown started quickly but the flames and their goaltender would not be phased. The end of the first period saw the score stay the same 1-0 for Mooretown. Period 2 would start with a back and forth battle looking much like the first. Both teams goaltenders stood on their heads as action went end to end. Finally with only a couple minutes left in the 2nd the flames had a breakaway and goal scored to tie the game at 1. With the crowd on the edge of their seats and the tension mounting period 3 was about to be under way. The third period has always brought on another level from these boys and today that would be needed. It wasn't until about 5 minutes left that the flames would see an opportunity and strike. Flames lead Flames lead! Now to hold on as they knew Mooretown would come at them with everything they had. With the stomach bug seeming to spread the kids found a way to give their team just a bit more and try to stand tall. Our goaltender as always calm and confident would make the difference late in this one as he turned aside every shot that came his way.
The Flames have their title they are now the International Silver Stick champions!
Great job this weekend Flames, you deserved this title and worked your hardest to get it.