Dec 30, 2012 | Scott Bjaanes | 739 views
Kevin McKay Memorial Tournament Champions!
The Tyke 2 team took their game to another level over the weekend, going undefeated to win the Tournament!
What an unbelievable weekend for the team! After notching their first win a week earlier the boys entered the tournament a confident group and it showed.
The team opened the tournament against Orillia Davenport Subaru and after some back and forth play Charlie picked up the puck just outside the Orillia blueline, went in alone on the goalie and put his shot in the far corner. This proved to be the spark the team needed. Ayden and Connor added goals and the defence kept the Orillia skaters in check. Orillia was only able to put one puck past goaltender Graydon.
Charlie always seemed to make something happen when he was on the ice and was chosen Player of the Game.
Final Score: Oro 3 - Orillia 1
Oro Goals: Charlie, Connor, Ayden
Player of the Game: Charlie
The second game was against another team from Orillia and the boys picked up right where they left off in game one. The line of Connor, Noah and Colton was unstoppable accounting for all five goals. Connor netted a hatrick and Noah chipped in with 2 leading the team to a convincing win. Colton, with perhaps his best game of the season had a number of great chances to add to the lead but was snakebitten.
This game was pivotal for the boys as each and every player showed incredible improvement and really came together as a team. Team defence was evident as again the opposition was limited to 1 goal and it was off to the Championship!
Connor's hat trick earned him player of the game honours.
Final Score: Oro 5 - Orillia 1
Oro Goals: Connor (3), Noah (2)
Player of the Game: Connor
Finals
The finals had the team facing off against another Oro team, Tyke 3. While there were many familiar faces on the other team it was the first time they had faced off against each other. Tyke 3 has a very strong team but the boys were up for the challenge.
Once again Charlie provided the spark needed to get the team going. Picking up a loose puck inside the blueline, Charlie skated in and put one past the goalie to take an early lead. The teams then exchanged goals in the first period with Noah chipping in with his first of 2 to end the first period tied at 2.
The line of Colton, Noah and Connor remained red-hot. Connor gave the team the lead, maintaining his red-hot scoring pace with the first of 3 goals on the night. Noah's second of the night provided some breathing room but there was lots of time left and the dangerous skaters on Tyke 3 were able to sustain pressure for full shifts at times. Team defence was a pillar of strength; Nick, Malcolm, Sam and Brett showed an incredible commitment to supporting goaltender Graydon who saved his best game for the finals.
Ayden with his first of 2 on the night put the team up 5-2 before Tyke 3 narrowed the gap back to 2. However the team put up a wall and didn't allow Tyke 3 to get the next goal. Connor with a great breakaway goal cemented the win before completing the hat trick with another goal late in third period. Ayden with his second of the game iced the victory with a late goal.
Graydon was exceptional in net stopping many point blank chances and was chosen Player of the Game.
Perhaps the best moment of the game came at the final buzzer when the team rushed on the ice and joined Graydon for a group victory hug. The sense of excitement amongst the players was amazing, they truly became a team during this tournament! The pride from the coaches and parents was evident as the boys skated around with the trophy and posed for pictures. A fitting end to a great tournament!
Special recognition goes out to Carter, a goal post away from his first goal and without a doubt the most improved player on the team. Way to go Carter!
Final Score: Tyke 2: 8 - Tyke 3 3
Tyke 2 Goals: Connor (3), Ayden (2), Noah (2), Charlie
Player of the Game: Graydon