The Canadian Tire Atom Reps traveled to Mooretown, just
outside of Sarnia on the weekend. The Kinucks started the tournament against
hometown favourites Mooretown and were apparently overcome with the jet lag.
Mooretown came out shooting and started off with a three-goal lead. The second
period was played much better as the defensive efforts of Tori Hodgins and Cara
Colhoun helped hold to Mooretown to one goal. Jake Colley was the lone
offensive weapon, scoring short handed on a break away. The final tally was
Mooretown 8, Kincardine 1.
The disappointed lasted until the hotel, where looks of a
disappointed disappeared with the call of “game on.” The mini-sticks were out
and the stereo was belting the Black Eyed Peas. Alice Thorpe organized the team meal and once again smiles
were abound.
Sarnia was next up Saturday morning and the Kinucks were up
for the task. Sarnia scored early in the first, but that lead would not last.
Christopher Coady led the fore-check deep in Sarnia’s zone and worked the puck
back to Danny Skinner at the point. Skinner fired a wrist shot from the point
where Rhys Vollmer was all over the rebound and tied the game.
Goalkeeper Jamie Brock was his usually stellar self; as he
dove all over any lose pucks in front of the net. Sarnia did sneak one by late
in the second to take a two to one lead going into the third. With parents
intently watching every penalty, offside, icing and shot the Kinucks
determination prevailed. After some hard work in the corner by Bryce McFadden,
Bradley Pickett put home the game-tying goal from in front of the net. Although
the Kinucks continued to apply more pressure the game ended in a two-two tie.
The final game was against Simcoe 10 hrs later.
Unfortunately, the flu bug struck and Bradley Pickett had to sit out while
several other players were also feeling unwell. Simcoe went on to win the game
5-0. The lone bright spot was the goaltending of Brock. He had more than one
save that could’ve been the “highlight of the night.”
Although the Atoms didn’t have the most successful
tournament on the ice, they did have a great weekend of movies, mini-sticks and
team camaraderie. Thanks goes out to team Manager Derek Skinner for finding a
very understanding hotel and organizing a great weekend.