The Peewee select wolves had a great weekend in Fergus, coming
away with a 3 and 1 record, with our only loss a shoot-out in the Semi-Finals. The players
showed improvement in each game and across each shift. As the competition increased
in intensity the Wolves rose together as a pack presenting a formidable challenge
to all who opposed them...
Saturday morning, the Wolves started a bit sluggishly against the George Bell Titans – Minor. Despite controlling the game, we had difficulty generating quality-scoring chances. Eventually the Wolves were able to get on the scoreboard and skate away with a 2-0 victory. Next up were the Nepean Adrenaline. Nepean certainly injected an extra level of competition into the game coming out strong. Waterloo was able to match their speed and strength. Waterloo came way with a 2-1 victory, buoyed by strong goal tending and team defence. It must have been the team lunch and generous portions of fish and chips that gave us the energy.
Sunday morning Waterloo took the ice against the St. Hilda’s Eagles. Decked out in camo jerseys and socks, St. Hilda’s was ready for a battle. The Wolves matched their effort and drive shift for shift. We got out a 1-0 lead and looked ready to take that lead to the end. Full credit to St. Hilda’s who battled back and tied things up. Late game heroics resulted in beautiful goal far side late in the third to seal the game. Three hours later Waterloo returned to the ice to face their stiffest competition yet, the Barrie Jr. Colts. Barrie had yet to surrender a goal in the tournament outscoring their opponents 19-0. That was before they met the Wolves. Waterloo and Barrie skated back and forth in a fast-paced entertaining game full of odd numbered rushes, cross-ice passes, rocket point shots, and numerous scrambles in front of the net. Both goalies made numerous highlight reel saves. Barrie got out an early 1-0 lead, with Waterloo battling back hard in the second period to tie the game up. The third period started with Barrie taking an early 2-1 lead. Again, Waterloo battled hard eventually tying things up 2-2. The last five minutes of the game were a blur of scoring chances and amazing defensive stands. Regulation time ended 2-2 – we were off to the dreaded shoot-out. Barrie was able to find the back of the net with their third shooter, while Waterloo was unable to get one past the Colt’s goalie.
The coaches are extremely proud of the players’ efforts and their continuous improvement throughout the tournament. The Wolves played a strong team game and rose to meet the strong level of competition this weekend. Most impressive were all the positive comments by players on the bench, supporting their teammates and congratulating them for strong efforts as they came off the ice. This is a great group of players to coach and watch develop.
Every player should hold their head high knowing that they representing themselves, their parents, and Waterloo well. Others will remember the Wolves – that is always the sign of a great team.
Coach Ken