Last weekend, the Kinucks Novice C Girls packed up for the
Stratford Aces Tournament.
Ahead of the first snow of the season, the weather cooperated for the drive down. The Girls were ready to tackle the kick-off game to the tournament series against the Mighty Mitchell. All players came out eager and confident at the Seaforth Arena Friday morning. It would be a fast-paced game from the first face-off. While the game-board finished in favour of the Heat, the Kinucks worked hard and saw two breakaway goals; one by Center Avery Boulton, and the second by Winger Sadie White.
Second game of the day had the girls over to Milverton against the Lambeth Lancers. Another fast game for the Girls against a tough team. The Lancers would be the only team to score in this game, but the Kinucks put up a hearty challenge.
The Girls took some time to rest and recharge in the afternoon over a bite to eat in preparation for their final game of the day at Dufferin Arena against the Stratford Aces. You’d think the Girls would be exhausted after two hard-fought games already, but they took to the ice, cheering, smiling, and ready to play. The first two periods saw the Girls steadily in control of the plays, but the Aces Goalie was ready for each attempt at net. The Kinucks didn’t give up, though, and in the third period the scores would start to climb. Avery Boulton scored first with an assist from Sadie White, shortly followed by a breakaway by Aera Armstrong. Moments later, Jaelyn Price put one in for the Kinucks with assists by Sadie White and Lilah Rock. The Aces did score on the Kinucks before the end of the game, but the Kinucks would see a win with a final score 3:1.
Back to the hotel for the pool and pizza after a big day, the Girls were all smiles; and I do believe most were out cold before 9.
Saturday’s game took the girls to the beautiful RBC Arena in Stratford against St. Mary’s Rock. The fastest and hardest-fought game yet by the Kinucks, the teams were very well matched and despite some issues with the clock and the score-board, the Girls worked so very well together. This was another great game played by both teams and it could have gone either way. It was the game of breakaways, with goals achieved by Aera Armstrong, a mystery ghost player (Avery, we see you working some amazing tricks out there, but a jersey change? Really? #lucky#15), Boulton again (assisted this time by Lilah Rock), another one by Boulton, and Aera Armstrong. This was such a fun game to watch, Kinucks!! The game ended in favour of St. Mary’s, but it was – by far – the best!
Saturday afternoon’s loss meant the Girls were not in contention for a medal at the Stratford Aces Tournament, but it also meant that the Girls could enjoy dinner out together, take in more pool time, and stay up late. What a great weekend at a fun venue. Well done, Kinucks! See you next weekend when you’ll be back in regular season play against the Mount Forest Rams!