The McGee Motors.ca Atom Sailorettes took part in the 8th Annual Saugeen Shores Silver Stick Tournament from November 23, 2007 to November 25, 2007. The girls were undefeated in all 5 games during the tournament and took home the green banner as Silver Stick Champions. They will be attending the International Silver Stick Tournament in Brighton, Ontario on February 8-10, 2008.
Game #1
Sailorettes vs. Owen Sound
The first period was an even match with the play up and down the ice. However, the girls stayed in control of their game and went on to defeat Owen Sound 8-2.
Megan Johnston was awarded the first goal of the game, assisted by Ashley Bakker and Madison McLean. Also scoring in the first period was Hailey Bakker, assisted by Bryanna Campbell. With a scramble in front of the net, Megan Johnston poked the puck past the Owen Sound netminder to secure her second goal of the game. Assists went to Sierra Burt and Ashley Bakker.
Becky Higgs scored the only goal in the second period, assisted by Courtney Gardiner and Hailey Bakker.
The third period saw Shaley Oster score with Megan Johnston assisting. Charging the net moments later was Becky Higgs unassisted. Hailey Bakker scored her second goal assisted by Amy Willis and Shaley Oster. Finishing the scoring for the Sailorettes was Hailey Bakker who got the hat trick of the game, assisted by Kailee Hewitt.
Excellent goaltending by Kaitlyn Chagnon and Haley Bowman. Great defensive work by Kayla McCabe, Haley Ferguson and Madison McLean. Great offensive playing by Katelyn McGee.
Game #2
Goderich vs. Ingersoll
The second game of the day saw the McGeeMotors.ca Atom Sailorettes face off against a strong Ingersoll squad. Early in the game, goalie Kaitlyn Chagon had to make an amazing glove save that had the crowd on their feet.
Ingersoll came out ready for a good fight and scored the first goal of the game. The girls fought hard throughout the rest of the first period and second period but despite numerous chances, they could not tie up the game.
The Sailorettes came out hard in the third period and half way through the third period, Amy Willis scored to tie up the game. The tying goal was assisted by Kailee Hewitt and Hailey Bakker. The girls continued to apply pressure and with two minutes left in the third period, Courtney Gardiner banged one past the Ingersoll netminder to pull ahead for the first time in the game. Her goal was assisted by Hailey Bakker and Becky Higgs.
Kaitlyn Chagnon was terrific in net and made some great stops.
A great team effort from all the girls!
Game #3
Goderich vs Tiverton C
The Sailorettes faced off against the Tiverton girls on Saturday at 5:30pm. The girls were a little sluggish to start with however came on with a vengeance to take the game 10-2. It was a great team effort by all the girls and Haley Bowman was solid in net.
The girls had secured the #1 spot in Pool A and would face off Sunday Morning against the #2 team in Pool B (Mildmay).
Game #4 Semi-Finals
Goderich vs Mildmay
The girls found themselves taking a 2-0 lead early in the first period with goals by Bryanna Campbell and Courtney Gardiner however by the middle of the 3rd period it was a 2-2 tie. The game went into a 10 minute sudden death overtime. The girls had numerous chances but the Mildmay goalie was on her game. Halfway through the OT, a penalty was assessed to a Sailorette and the Mildmay was awarded a penalty shot however the Sailorette goalie, Kaitlyn Chagnon was ready for the shot and stopped it to the wild cheering of her teammates and fans. With 30 seconds left in OT, Becky Higgs hustled behind the net and passed the puck out front to Courtney Gardiner who banged the puck past the Mildmay goalie. We were heading to the finals!!
Game #5 Finals
Goderich vs Markdale
This was the first time Goderich had played the Markdale Shooting Stars. They had remained undefeated on their side of the tournament with 2 wins and 1 tie. Their goalie had only allowed one goal during the first round of the tournament.
The girls were pumped with the idea they could win this tournament, get the 5th game puck, go to another tournament that involved a hotel stay, shave Coach Henry's hair (not Mark's!) and have a fire truck ride.
They came out flying and scored early with Bryanna Campbell finding the twine for her second goal of the tournament. The Markdale team was a little taken back. The girls continued to apply pressure and with a scramble in front of the net, one of the Markdale players put her hand over the puck and pulled it away from the goal line. Luckily, the ref was standing there and assessed a penalty shot. Sailorette Captain, Hailey Bakker took the shot and put a nice razor past the Markdale goalie. Her teammates cleared the bench to congratulate her on a great shot.
The game continued with great hustling by the Goderich girls and Becky Higgs found the net on an end to end rush. Later in the 3rd period, Megan Johnston scooped the puck from a Markdale player in their end and went in all alone, deking their goalie and popping the puck into the net.
The game ended 4-0 for the Sailorettes and each girl was awarded a Silver Stick Medal. The girls are very proud of their accomplishment as they have lots of new players and lots of younger players. The key to their success is they are a "team". They win together and they lose together.
Thanks Coach Henry, Coach Mark, Coach Lisa, and Trainer Joy for a great job.
Way to go girls. Your family and friends are very proud of you.