Silver Stick Final
Game
Oro vs. Simcoe: 4-1, SIMCOE
The finals of the Silver Stick brought the Thunder a new
dance partner, a tough and talented team from Simcoe. Having watched the Warriors for a few
periods, the coaches knew this would be a highly contested match.
As the puck was dropped, both teams pulled out all the stops in search of getting the early lead. The talented Warriors squad played aggressive, smart hockey and mounted numerous attacks. The equally talented Thunder players squashed offensive attacks and immediately countered with their own determined advances.
Both goalies, especially our Jensen, were excellent and turned aside scoring chances with ease. The first period was controlled by the goalies and defensemen on both sides. The way both sets of defensemen handled speedy forwards with ease and confidence was something special to watch. As one defenseman broke up the rush, his partner would sweep in to collect the loose puck to quickly start a counter-attack. Nick, Logan, Owen and Wesley: this was a real coming out party for you guys. I enjoyed watching you play with poise and confidence way beyond your years.
As period 1 drew to a close, the two teams found themselves dead locked at nil. To start the second, open ice was contested at every opportunity. With 3 minutes gone in the second, Wesley swooped into his own zone to pick up a loose puck. With a quick “spin-o-rama” he moved the puck quickly to Noal who was well-positioned at the hash marks. With his head up, Noal quickly moved the puck to a streaking Caden in the centre of the ice. Time and space was quickly closing, but Caden was able to put the puck deep into the Simcoe end. Noal and Caden provided a tremendous forecheck which created havoc. The boys were able to force their way to the net where Sammy swooped in, found the loose puck and swept it into the net to put the Thunder up 1. The strong contingent of Thunder fans erupted with excitement!!!
Unfortunately, the lead would be short-lived as the Warriors would reply with two goals on lucky bounces. Good teams create their own luck, but the hockey Gods weren’t smiling on the Thunder during the second period as both goals bounced off skates and legs before they crossed the goal line to put the Warriors up 2-1 after two.
As the teams huddled at the boards before the start of the third, being down was an unusual feeling for this group. The coaches tried to reassure the boys that they were fine and that their best efforts over the final 15 minutes would be required to reach their ultimate goal of Silver Stick Champions.
Both teams went back and forth, Simcoe trying to extend the lead and the Thunder trying to tie things up. Unfortunately the Warriors were able to penetrate the stingy Thunder D and push the lead to 3-1.
As time ticked away the coaches called a time-out to pull the team all together and remind them that we believed in them and that anything was possible.
Two amazing shifts were put back to back. A great forecheck and a relentless pursuit of the puck led to scoring chances but no breakthroughs on the score sheet. Shift after shift seemed to create more momentum for the Thunder. Jack, Taylor and Devin went hard on the puck at every opportunity. Taylor and Jack combined in fine fashion to feed Devin the puck who attempted a great wrap around. The momentum bubble burst when his attempt trickled the length of the goal line never wavering across and slid out the other side. Simcoe players, realizing their good fortune, mounted a solid attack that resulted in their fourth and final goal driving the final nail in the Thunder hopes of a Silver Stick title.
As the final buzzer sounded emotions were running high, but I want to give credit to the 11 young boys who represent the Oro Thunder Novice team. Each player carried himself with class and kept their heads held high and congratulated the well-deserving victors from Simcoe as we shook hands on the ice.
As players and coaches gathered in the room after the game, emotions spilled over. Coaches explained it was okay to be upset and it showed how committed they were to achieving their goal. The coaches expressed how proud they were of the team and to use this disappointment as motivation going forward.
As we moved from the dressing room to the banquet hall to collect our Finalist medals and banner, a young group of boys were about to receive a special gift. The tournament organizer expressed how well the Thunder had played and felt they had earned a wild card spot into the Silver Stick finals to be hosted by St. Clair Shores, Michigan. This is a well-deserved opportunity and one that you have earned. Congratulations, boys! The coaches couldn’t be happier for you. Please use the next 8 weeks to work hard during practices and games to prepare yourself for the upcoming tournament!