Dec 31, 2015 | Steve | 849 views
Novice Kinucks Learn Silverstick Lesson
The Home Hardware sponsored Kincardine Novice Kinucks had been showing some good form in recent weeks, as they prepared for the Regional Silverstick. Their more recent victories were a 4-0 win over a strong Hanover Falcons team, followed by a 5-1 win over the Listowell Cyclones. The return of top goal scorer Trent Houghton was only going to strengthen the teams' readiness for the Regional Silverstick Tournament, hosted in Kincardine.
Unfortunately for these young Kinucks they would soon learn how important a strong work ethic is in these tournaments. They would have to play at the same level as they had in recent weeks, if they were to get through the very evenly matched group stages. They would lose a tight opening game 3-2 to the Hanover Falcons. The Kinucks goals came from Trent Houghton and Ethan Kaminski, with assists attributed to Jordan McDonald and Ty McQuillin. It would be fair to say that the Kinucks were unfortunate to lose this opening game, which is always so crucial in tournaments. However, it would also be fair to say that their efforts weren't up to what they'd displayed in the weeks leading to the Silverstick itself.
Next up would be a game against Twin Centres where these young Kinucks would lose out in a 3-0 game. Again, Headcoach Art Houghton said that they could count certainly count themselves as unfortunate to lose this one, with the Twin Centres goalie pulling off a number of saves. However, their effort level in winning puck battles could again be improved.
The Kincardine Novice Kinucks final game would be against the Tavistock Titans. By this point, any hopes of progressing through the tournament had been shattered. Ironically, it would be this game that the Kinucks would turn up and show people what they're actually capable of. A convincing 4-1 win over Tavistock was almost a little frustrating in the grand scheme, but these are just young kids when all is said and done. The goal scoring would start with Joshua Cuyler, assisted by Ethan Kaminski and Ty McQuillin. This was followed by a Kaminski unassisted goal. Goals and assists would be wrapped up by Jordan McDonald (1+1), Trent Houghton (1+1) and Brody Lyndon (0+2).
All in all, it certainly wasn't the Silverstick Tournament result that the kids had hoped for. All that said, you can see that this team is continuing to show signs of improvement from the beginning of the season. The Kinucks will hope to continue that in another invite Tournament in Mitchell, this coming weekend.