The Canadian Tire Atom Reps traveled to New Hamburg for their first tournament of the year. Expectations were high despite a difficult pool draw.
The Canadian Tire Atom Reps traveled to New Hamburg for their first tournament of the year. Expectations were high despite a difficult pool draw.
On Friday morning the Kinucks opened the tournament against long time rivals from Listowel. Ryan Thede opened the scoring in the second period to give the Kinucks an early one- goal lead. With Chris Coady and Kara Colhoun in the “sin” bin, Jake Colley stretched the lead to two goals with a great individual effort.
Listowel wasn’t about to give up and scored two answered goals to tie the game at 2-2 in the third period. With line-mates already on the scoreboard, Darian Kuz scored the game winner to the delight of the active Kincardine fans.
The celebration was just the beginning of an exciting a day as hometown favourites New Hamburg were waiting for the black and orange.
A defensive battle ensued with Kinucks goaltender Jamie Brock stopping everything New Hamburg had to offer. With Emma Swift and Austin MacArthur protecting their goalie, no second chance opportunities were allowed.
Kuz once again scored the game winner off a rebound from Thede and Colley. Ironman of the day was Travis Anderson who was battling the flu, but still managed to tie on the laces for the second game.
After a well deserved nights rest, Ingersoll was next on the Kinucks hit list. No snipers could be found, however, as this would be a goaltending showdown. Some of the Kinucks best chances came from the line of Brennan Long, Chris Coady and Matt ? This line was dumping the puck, passing the puck and grinding on both ends of the ice.
Brock kept the door shut with probably the best save this reporter has every seen. After making a save on his left post, the puck rebounded across to an awaiting Ingersoll player. Everyone in the crowd knew this shot was going in, the coaches new it was going in, the Ingersoll player definitely knew it was going in…….Brock DIDN’T! Which appendage he flung across the net, I still don’t know; but what I do know is that the game was still tied at zero’s and the crowd was going crazy.
After five minutes of overtime the game was still tied at zeroes. Unfortunately, for Brock and the Kinucks, Ingersoll would win in a shoot-out. Nonetheless, Kincadine qualified for the final.
Tillsonburg, after being heavily scouted, showed some great talent through the centres. Being one the best skaters on the team, Colhoun was asked to shadow Tillsonburg’s best player. With linemates Kendon Zettle and Brody Hewitt helping out in their own end, Colhoun was stuck on #6 like glue. An anonomous source stated that he could hear Colhoun trash talking her shadow!
Tillsonburg would prove too much, however, and the Kinucks settled for the silver medal. A great start to their tournament year.
McFadden was named MVP for Kincardine in the final game.