This past weekend the Bears competed in the London Aeros House League Classic. This weekend can be summed up as an event of 'Firsts'!
-First Tournament Game
-First Tournament Goal
-First First-Aid Kit
-First Breakaway on our own net
-First Tournament Win
-First Team Hotel
-First Team Pool Party
-First Team Dinner
-First Tournament Final
-First Time meeting with Max Domi
Ultimately, it was all about fun!! The recurring comment from the boys, 'this has been the best weekend of my life!'
The coaching staff of Paul Ewart, Jeff Sauve, Greg Beselaere, Brent Ferguson and Richard Hepditch are so proud of this team. A team that never played together and for many, had only played 1 or 2 real hockey games, they showed amazing work ethic and pride. The team improved every game and surprised all of us by reaching the final game on Sunday!!
The goaltending was split by Sam Ferguson and Griffen Sanderson. They both did an outstanding jobs and were a major part of the team's success.
The tournament began with a 3-3 tie against West London 11, who they would eventually meet again in the finals. Goal scorers were Michael Ewart, Ian George and Alex Hoskins.
In the second game, the Bears secured their first tournament win by a score of 3-2. Goals scorers were Addison Murphy-Rodgers, Mack Szumlinksi and Ethan Suave.
In the quarter finals, the Bears continued to improve and prevailed by a score of 4-2. Goal scorers were Alex Hoskins, Jack Thomspon, Mitchell Lunz and Addison Murphy-Rodgers.
For the semi-finals, the Bears faced the 1st place team from the A Division. Unfortunately for them, the Bears had really found their 'MOJO', and dominated from start to finish. They won convincingly, by a score of 5-1. Mitchell Lunz and Jack Thompson lead the scoring with 2 goals each. Mack Szumlinski also scored.
In the finals, the Bears faced off again against West London 11. Just before the game began, the boys were paid a visit by former World Junior Star and current London Knight, Max Domi. Although the boys cheered for the Rangers, he still wished them luck in the final! For the 1st period it seemed the ice was slanted toward the Bears. However, with stellar goaltending from Sam, they Bears were only down 1-0. The Bears came out flying in the 2nd, but London's goalie seemed impenetrable. London ended up scoring again making it 2-0. However, with less than a minute remaining in the 2nd period, Mitchell Lunz got the Bears on the board. In the 3rd, the Bears kept up the pressure. Early in the 3rd Period, Michael Ewart displayed some first-class stickhandling and put a sick move on the London goalie, tying the game at 2-2. From there, the Bears and London traded great scoring chances. With time winding down, and both teams playing 4 on 4, the Bears struggled to get out of their zone. With less than 1 second remaining London scored on a wicked wrist shot to the top corner!!
Although the boys didn't pull out the win, the coaching staff and parents are all extremely proud. It was a true display of hard work and team work that propelled the boys finals.
Great work boys!!
