Listowel finished the 2016 International Silver Stick round robin match-ups in convincing style. Beating Ilderton 5-0, Denver 4-1, and Lambeth 5-0. In order to play in the Championship game on Sunday, Listowel had to get past Haliburton in the semi-final game late Saturday afternoon.
Now this game wasn’t the only important activity going on in the Grand Bend Area this day. Renowned Tripadvisor consultants were busy finishing their questionnaires on their latest motel experiences. You see, sometimes, for visits in the upcoming years, the Wieringas’, Servais’, Bramhill’s, and Nautas’ make a little extra cash and spend a night or so in questionable establishments just to make sure the online reviews on local motels are valid. Needless to say, it did not take the Bramhill’s more than a single evening to finish their report. The Servais’, Weiringas’ and Nauta’s were a little more thorough, and wanted to make sure the all-night Karaoke really was in fact for real. Besides, the team Manager, Trainer and Assistant Coach were also there and could not be left behind unattended, especially with little Barrett in the mix. Come Saturday night, all parties involved had re-located to other local establishments. Tripadvisor will be busy sifting through the accurate reports and will no doubt be updating the website in the near future.
In Thedford, the Cyclones had their hands full with Haliburton. With never more than a 2-goal lead, Haliburton never gave up and continually came back to within 1 goal on more than 1 occasion. At the final buzzer, Listowel was on the winning side of a hard-fought 4-2 win. Sunday’s Championship Game would see Listowel vs Simcoe.
The quaint Blue Water Motel was kind enough to put the management of the team up in a newly remodelled cottage, nestled amongst the great pines of Grand Bend. The walls of the cottage learned lots on Saturday evening. Who knew laundry could be done by a Magic Machine? And then 15 minutes later, the same Magic Machine was used as the perfect adjective to describe a hockey mom?
Well, you have seen the website and the text messages, and have learned our Pee Wee Cyclones lost a heart-breaker to Simcoe in the final few minutes of double overtime by a score of 5-4. The game was full of lead changes, amazing shots, and terrific saves. Neither team gave up when they found themselves down by a goal.
What a show both teams put on. Simcoe were humble winners, and the Listowel Cyclones were gracious in defeat. The boys did Listowel proud and are very worthy of the International Silver Stick Finalist Banner. Without a doubt, they made Simcoe play their best game to deserve the win.
Congratulations to Carter Servais and Colin Williams for being named by the All-Star Committee, to the Pee Wee B Division International Silver Stick All-Star Team. Selection to the team is based on ability, sportsmanship, and conduct.
Rumour has it that Mr. Nauta has booked the same room, complete with 1-¼ bathrooms at the Garlic Bread Resort in Grand Bend this summer for a surprise wedding anniversary gift. Enjoy.
Written by '84 Chess Master