Nov 20, 2011 | Dave Duncan | 1017 views
KINSMEN AE SAILORS ARE SILVER STICK CHAMPS
Sunday November 20, 2011, is a historical day for Goderich Minor Hockey, and the Kinsmen Pee Wee AE team. The boys traveled to St Clements to face the Lincoln Blades in the Regional Silver Stick finals. Two evenly matched teams, and two excellent goalies faced off for bragging rights, with the Sailors coming home the first GMHI boys team to win the title in over a decade.
The Sailors looked great right off the bat, as the line of Chris G, Braeden D, Owain S, Kyle L and Troy P, penned the Blades in their end for the entire first minute, creating a number of scoring chances, only to be stymied by a talented Blades goalie. The tempo of the game continued, with neither team able to solve the two tenders. A race for an icing cost the Sailors Braeden D for most of the first period, as he crashed awkwardly into the boards. The shorter bench continued to battle hard, and killed off a penalty late in the first. Half way through the game, Lincoln scored on a redirection, and held that lead after 2 periods. The Sailors fed off coach Gary's pep talk, and mid-way through the third, Owain scored on a nice passing play from Braeden and Troy. The two teams continued to battle back and forth, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats...or pacing at the end of the rink. With 5 minutes left in the game, Braeden centered a pass to Owain, who put his second of the game 5-hole, with an assist to Brady G. Lincoln pulled their goalie for the last 90 seconds, but the Sailors kept the pressure on, hitting a post, and having another shot blocked by a Blades d-man. The game ended 2-1 Sailors, and the boys jumped off the bench with sticks and gloves flying everywhere.
The action on the ice continued as the Sailors were presented with the Championship banner and individual trophies. The best scene of the day was the 2 teams joining at center ice with both banners, for a giant group picture. Then the amazing goalies posed together, all to the appreciation of a lot of fans. The boys left the ice to applause and screaming fans, to celebrate in the dressing room. Upon return to Goderich, they enjoyed a fire truck tour of the Square, and a celebratory feast at Boston Pizza. Cograts Pee Wee AE on a job well done! Now off to Pelham in January, for the Silver Stick International Championships.
On behalf of the Kinsmen Pee Wee AE team, their friends and families, I would like to thank coach Bailey and his mother for their hospitality after the game.