January 23-25, 2015
International Silver Stick Tournament
St. Clair Shores, MI
This past weekend our Novice Rep team traveled to St. Clair
Shores, Michigan to compete in the International Silver Stick tournament. Our boys played hard, competed intensely and
represented Oro Minor Hockey with character and excellent sportsmanship!
Our weekend match-ups began early Friday morning with a tough, talented team – the South Huron Sabres. The boys came out guns-a-blazing and fought hard to win face-offs and control the puck. Our forwards attacked time and time again, but amazing defense and goaltending from the Sabres foiled our attempts at bulging the twine. Jensen and his trusty D-Men were impressing the coaches and fans alike – nobody was penetrating their brick wall...and they sent that message out loud and clear. Mid-way through the second period, a sea of team moms donning the Oro Red Jerseys erupted with jubilation as Noal sent a sweet wrister past the unsuspecting goalie. This goal would prove to be the only one of the game, despite the fantastic efforts of our entire team. In addition, quite impressively, this game tallied zero minutes in penalties for either team! A 1-0 win for Oro would be the start of something very special in St. Clair Shores!
The second game of the day pitted us against the Waterloo Ice Wolves. While both teams battled for the puck, unfortunately both the home and visitor “sin bins” had a revolving door this game. With twelve penalties spread evenly throughout the game, much of it was played in either a power play or penalty kill situation. Our boys remained focused on control of the puck, team play, passing, forechecking and backchecking, and never wavered from this purpose. In the first period, both Devin and Jack found the back of the net, providing momentum for the team. With a 2-1 score in Oro’s favour heading into the first, the coaches stressed to the players to continue to play with the same compete level and good things would come. Mid-way through the second, Devin gave us a little more breathing room with a sweet goal that sent our fans wild! Solid defensive play by Owen, Nicky, Logan and Wesley helped to fend off the Ice Wolves for the remaining half of the game to keep the score at 3-1. Impressively, the Thunder walked away from Day One with a 2-0 record and huge smiles spread across their faces!
Our players spent lots of time on Friday trading pins with other teams and adding pins to their lanyards. This was a real “hockey family” feel as boys from all teams mingled, talked and traded. Also, time was spent cheering on a familiar rival who was playing in a different division but at the same rink. As the boys supported the Midland Centennials at the glass after our first game, this coach couldn’t have been more proud of their sportsmanship and character. After a quick swim at the waterpark in our hotel, the boys had an early night to prepare for our next day of competition.
Saturday morning, bright and early, we faced the West London Hawks in what was our best game of the tournament. It was clear from the opening face-off that the Thunder came to compete...and win! Jack opened the scoring for our team mid-way through the first with help from his trusty line-mates Noal and Devin...which set the scene for a Thunder attack that would last all game long. Noal, Devin and Jack were on fire all game long as they streaked down the ice like lightning, creating amazing scoring chances for each other time and time again. Numbers 7, 17 and 11 littered the game sheet with goals and assists, demonstrating their great chemistry together and intensity to win! Caden, Sammy and Taylor also attacked the Hawks on amazing rushes, board play and smart passes. Their ability to read the play and know where to send the puck next created text-book moments. Caden, Sammy and Taylor also lit up the game sheet, especially coming alive in the second and third period! Our D-Men once again did not hesitate to shut down advancing Hawks, getting the puck out of our end like pros. Owen, Wesley, Nicky and Logan were forces around our net and the Hawk’s blue line, making smart, heads-up passes and reading plays. Jensen’s stellar play between the pipes, including several highlight saves that allowed us to breathe once again, was a sight to be seen. I may be getting a scouting call from the Leafs after that incredible performance! All of this amazing play led to our 6-3 victory, and a reason to celebrate!
Sadly, due to the way the tournament was set-up, the rules stated that only the top two teams from each pool could move on to the quarter finals. All three teams from our pool had identical 3 and 0 records, but when looking at plus minus, the other teams were slightly ahead of us, putting us out of the race.
Although this was heartbreaking to eleven boys and coaches who worked so hard, there are so many things for us to be proud of. We were able to have the opportunity to compete with the very best of the best – and compete we did! Our team play and intensity was at an all-time high. We played with dignity, character and grit! We played our games...and interestingly enough, were the only team to go undefeated throughout the tournament. So...that makes our boys champions in my books!
Congratulations to Mt. Brydges, winners of this year’s International Silver Stick tournament. They clinched the win in the final game with a score of 3-1 over Mitchell.
And...to our Novice Rep Oro Thunder warriors...I am so impressed with your efforts this past weekend. I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you. Your success at this tournament gets a standing ovation from your coaches, your families and your entire Organization!