The Major Peewee Select Wolves travelled down highway 6,
Family Day weekend to compete in the 16th annual Select Stoney Creek
Winterfest tournament. Hungry to keep their win streak alive and looking for
another strong showing the Wolves arrived early with the goal of finishing top
two in their pool to advance to Sunday’s semi-finals – where anything could happen.
Friday morning the Wolves took to the ice against the Pelham Panthers. The game started slow with both teams feeling each other out. The wolves took some time to stretch out their legs. Eventually #10 sniped a bar down goal set up by #27. Pelham quickly responded tying the game at 1 shortly after. Late in the first Waterloo took control of game on a goal by #68 set up by #68, and #88. Waterloo poured it on with a strong second, scoring four straight goals: #19 from #44; #27 from #68, and #10; #44, from #19 and #14; #19 from #44 and #14. The wolves cruised to a convincing win managing to put a seventh on the board early in the third: #27, from #68 and #10. We were off to a slow but good start. The players were challenged to bring another level to the afternoon game against Halton Hills.
Friday afternoon the Wolves rose to the challenge of a very game Halton Hills Thunder. The game flowed back and forth with both teams generating scoring chances and pushing the pace. This was the third meeting in a month between the two sides and their familiarity with each other showed. #19 opened the scoring in the last minute of the first with a blistering shot set up by #77 and #14. Waterloo seized control of the game midway through the second with goals a minute apart. First #88 from #3 and #4, then #19 from #44. Both strong shots coming at the end of great passing plays. In the third Waterloo shut down the Thunder’s attack and walked way with a well-deserved shutout – back stopped by #33.
Despite some traffic on the QEW Friday night, the players managed make it back for a celebratory team dinner. After dinner, the players enjoyed the hotel pool and indoor atrium – great team building experience for all involved.
Saturday morning saw the Wolves return to action against the Belle River Green Machine – what is with all the green jerseys at this tournament? Early mornings were not brining out the best in our pack. A sluggish start saw the Wolves fall behind the Green Machine early. We managed to even the game a minute later on another nice goal from #10 set up by #27 and #16. The wolves put the game away in the first minute of the second scoring twice on back-to-back plays: #19 from #14 and #44; #22 from #88. The rest of the game played at a slower pace with the Wolves saving themselves for what we hoped was a strong afternoon performance. The Wolves put a fourth on the board late in the third: #7 from #22.
Late in the afternoon, the Wolves took the ice again. This time against the Essex Ravens. Essex came out ready to play, use the most aggressive forecheck and backcheck the Wolves had faced all year. Undaunted, the Wolves quickly adjusted to the pace of play countered Essex’s play with strong puck possession and down low play. #14 from #7, opened the scoring in the first minute, banking one in off the goalies back. Essex tied the game a few minutes later. Late in the first #14 banged in a rebound off a great net drive from #19. The Wolves were in the lead and looking to take control. Control came in early in the second when #4 (unassisted) blasted a point shot past the Raven goalie. Once again the Wolves scored a late third period goal by #22 from #88 and #4, leaving no doubt on the final outcome. The game was very physical with Essex players and parents strangely cheering for hits (in a non-contact) game while their coaches stood idly by, endorsing the poor sportsmanship with their silence.
The Wolves finished first in pool B of round robin play with a 4-0 record. This set up an epic show down with the Lawfield Thunder Sunday morning. Lawfield entered the game having scored the most goals in the tournament while Waterloo entered the game having given up the fewest goals. It was sure to be a game for the ages. Lawfield wore their green (old Minnesota North Stars) jerseys - seriously what's with all the green. Waterloo came out on fire, having one of the best periods of the year. #10 (assist to #13) opened the scoring on a beautiful shorthanded effort. With 13 seconds left in the first, #27 dangled in front of the net deking the goalie and depositing the puck in the yawning cage. 2-0 Wolves things were looking good. The second period was a strong back and forth period with both teams having numerous scoring chances and demonstrating strong team defence. Both goalies made key saves with our #31 keeping the 2-0 score going into the third. 15 minutes of great hockey awaited the fans and players. Unfortunately, it is at this point that the referee decided to interject himself into the game and become the star. Waterloo stood strong and made numerous strong defensiveness plays only to have them called as penalties. A constant stream of penalties saw all the flow and pace of the game disappear. Lawfield managed to tie the game with two special team goals midway through the third. Things appeared to settle down while OT looked inevitable. Alas, the refs decided once again to play a hand in the games outcome. Once again, the Wolves were short handed. This time they could not hold off Lawfield who scored with just over minute left. The last minute of play saw the Wolves struggle to try to generate one final scoring chance – eventually time ran out. Lawfield survived to move on to the finals while the Wolves were left to lick their wounds and wonder what could have been.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Wolves had a great weekend. A weekend that say them run their winning streak to nine games – WOW. The coaches are very proud of the players and their development. With each set of games, we show significant improvement. We hope you all the parents continue to enjoy the games and are amazed by the effort and improvement of the team. We look forward to continuing to work with the players to get them ready for the Alliance Championship – the Wolves will be a team to fear.
Great Job Wolves!!
Coach Ken