PeeWee Kinsmen LL End Year With “W”, News, PeeWee Kinsmen LL, U13, 2016-2017 (Goderich Minor Hockey)

Even NHL players like Clinton/Varna native Ryan O’Reilly get frustrated after a series of losses.  O’Reilly admitted in a recent interview that it’s hard for players to give it their all when the bounces just don’t go their way.  Well – the Kinsmen Crew learned a thing or two about playing through adversity this season when they played the entire second half of the regular season with only one win.     

Unfortunately for the Sailors – that adversity followed them into the Young Canada Week Tournament where they failed to secure a single win during the points-generating games.  The Sailors lost their first game of the tourney 3-0 versus the Saugeen Shores.  Saugeen played an “in-your-face” physical game and although the Sailors held their own in the battles along the boards – they could not find the back of the net against a strong Saugeen net-minder.  

The second game of the tourney saw the Sailors fall to the Seaforth Stars 5-0.  Things were tough for the Sailors in that match-up - the Stars were the hungrier team and Sailor’s Captain, Adam R, was out with a back injury.   

Although still riddled with back pain, the Sailors’ Captain returned for the third and final points-generating game of the tourney against Central Perth.  Despite losing the game 3-1 - the Sailors were motivated by their Captain who managed the team’s first goal of the tourney even though he was far from 100%.  

Adam’s goal buoyed the previously disheartened Sailors and they came together for their final game of the year against the Minto mad Dogs and crushed it.  The Sailors played a great game and got on the score board in the second on an unassisted goal from Spencer W which was quickly followed by another goal from Nolan W (assisted by Hudson VB and Caden B).  Those goals were well deserved by a group of players who played very well all year despite a tough win/loss record.  

The Sailors continued their dominance in the third and notched their final goal on a beauty by Camron P (with assists going to Jaden M and Aidan D).  Again, this was a nice goal by a group of players who continued to give it their all regardless of the score.  In the end - the Sailors managed a 3-0 rout of the Mad Dogs and finished their year with an important win – congrats Sailors!  

On a personal note – I’d like to acknowledge some players who may not have put up big numbers in the tourney but who really displayed a concerted effort throughout: first – Sawyer N had a remarkable season for the Sailors – he is a consistent and dependable team player – very responsible with the puck and always willing to make a pass to an open teammate – thanks Sawyer.  Also, Nolan W played a solid two-way game throughout the tournament and was another player who seemed to persevere through the tough games when the score got away on the team.  Nice attitude Nolan.  

Finally, a shout out to Kaelan E – I don’t know exactly when he flipped the switch this season – but Kaelan was a physical force throughout the YCW tourney and played great defense for the Sailors.  Nice job Kaelan.  All in all – the Sailors had a good year – despite the record the kids had some fun and ended on a high note.  

Thanks again to the coaches and team staff – these volunteer positions are often a thankless undertaking – but they deserve a nod for their commitment to our players.  Below are the final player stats for the entire year (including exhibition, tournaments etc.).  Good luck in the off-season Sailors and I hope to see you on the ice again next year!       

#	FName	LName	# Games	Goals	Assists	Points	PPG
2	Aidan	D.	31	3	3	6	0.19
4	Nolan	W.	36	5	4	9	0.25
5	Hudson	V.	34	5	3	8	0.24
6	Jesse	V.	33	1	3	4	0.12
7	Noah	J.	23	8	4	12	0.52
8	Camron	P.	37	2	2	4	0.11
9	Seth	D.	36	1	2	3	0.08
10	Spencer	W.	37	23	10	33	0.89
11	Caden	B.	37	3	7	10	0.27
12	Adam	R.	36	17	3	20	0.56
14	Jaden	M.	29	9	4	13	0.45
15	Sawyer	N.	37	5	4	9	0.24
16	Kate	J.	37	5	3	8	0.22
17	Liam	D.	35	1	7	8	0.23
18	Kaelan	E.	34	0	1	1	0.03