It was a weekend to remember. One with so many highs and so much
adversity that it was truly amazing to watch the players on the Waterloo Wolves
successfully earn the finalist medal in the Waterloo Memorial Tournament over
the weekend.
The Wolves were forced to play most of the weekend on the
backs of 11 skaters and two goalies. The players came together to fight hard in
every single game. They fought off injuries, sickness and fatigue earning the
respect of their coaches, parents and observers over the weekend.
It was a sight for sore eyes for this coach. It’s been a
season of adversity and to witness the players rise to the occasion and come
out of a weekend that could have been a disaster with a medal is…..truly
amazing!
The backbone of the team was solid as always. Both Jake
Howard and Ciaran Guitton-Quayle came to play. Guitton-Quayle had back-to-back shut
outs in the round robin and made spectacular saves in the finals. Howard was
almost robotic in his games surrendering only a single goal per game. The
amount of confidence the pair put into their team is unmatchable. And, just as
important, the way they support one another and their teammates is truly
special.
Game 1 Vs. The South West Admirals
Howard earned the win for the team. Casey Ross scored
unassisted and then set up a goal by Dell Wang with Grayson Seiling earning an
assist as well. Seiling then added a goal and another assist on Wang, D send
goal of the game.
Game 2 Vs. The Flamborough Sabres
Guitton-Quayle earned the win for the team. Ben Schofield
scored from Allan Wang and then Wang, A set up Carter Talboom. Cam Murray
scored from Ross.
Game 3 Vs. The Orangewille Flyers
Howard earned the win for the team. Ross opened the game
with back-to-back goals. Ross’ first goal was unassisted and his second was set
up by Schofield. Seiling scored from Logan Murtha. Schofield scored from
Murray.
Game 4 Vs. The LaSalle Sabres
Guitton-Quayle earned the win for the team. Ross again
opened the scoring for the Wolves from Wang, A and Jackson Hunter. Hunter then
set up Hiatt Rich for a goal. Seiling scored from Ross.
Semifinals Vs. The Flamborough Sabres
Howard earned the win for the team. Talboom exploded for
four goals in the game. Hunter set up the first goal, Reed Rozema assisted on
goal two. Rich and Ross set up the hattrick and the fourth goal was off a
Sabres player and in the net. Rozema also added a pair of goals in the game.
His first was set up by Hunter and his second was unassisted.
Finals Vs. The Kitchener Jr Rangers
Rich opened the scoting in the game from Seiling. Rosema
scored from Owen Ottens and Rich.
The Wolves had a great cheering squad with Wang, D
(fractured wrist), Christopher Ding (fractured ankle), Logan Landry (shoulder
dislocation) and Ben Sawyer (flu) sidelined. It was great to see them all come to
support their team. The Wolves also received help Friday from Cole Gardiner
which was a big contribution.
At the end of the day, the Wolves just ran out of steam. The
team fought with passion and rallied together. The coaches have always said,
tournament hockey is to teach players how to win games and to use it as a tool
to come together as a team. In that sense, the players completed their mission.
The Wolves are a much better team leaving the weekend than entering. The Wolves
continue to work hard and are figuring out what it takes to be successful.
Keep battling boys, it is paying off!