Bantams win Silverstick Regional Tourny, News, Bantam Rep, U15, 2013-2014 (Listowel Minor Hockey Association)

The weekend opened with the Cycs facing off against Twin Centres, and the start was a little suspect as the Stars scored just 13 seconds into the game, however the local lads took over from there. Cooper Miller’s goal put the team on the board (Michael Uptigrove & Will Calder assisting), then Curtis Jackson’s point shot would put them ahead to stay as the Cycs scored often to secure a 9-1 victory. Leading the way offensively was Derek Fischer (3 goals & an assist), while Miller had 2 goals & an assist, Luc Jamieson (3 assists), Uptigrove (goal & assist),  Calder (2 assists), Jackson (goal & assist), Brett MacLeod (goal), Austin McGrath (goal) & Josh Gottfried (assist).

Game 2 pitted the Cycs against Tavistock, who had also won their earlier game. The physical play of the Listowel team may have caught the Titans off guard as the local lads scored a minute into the game as  Uptigrove’s top corner shot was perfectly place (Gottfried & MacLeod assisting). The Cycs continued to pressure Tavistock and were rewarded for their efforts 3 times in the 2^nd period.  Reese Reading, McGrath & Jamieson would all hit the twine while assists went to Jamieson (2), Reading (2), McGrath & Reid Gooding. The 3^rd would be much of the same as the Cycs tallied 2 more times (Gottfried & Fischer scoring with Josh Coelho picking up 2 assists, McGrath & Miller getting 1 apiece) making the final 6-0

The 3^rd game, the following day, would see the Cycs face BCH Ice Dogs who the Cycs were yet to beat this season. The game meant very little to Listowel as they were likely advancing to the semis but BCH needed the win to advance. That didn’t seem to matter as again the Cycs started strong scoring 3 times in the 1^st 10 minutes. Macleod got things rolling followed by Miller (from Fischer & Gottfried) then McGrath rounded out the 1^st period goals (Reading assisting).  The 2^nd period saw the Cycs keep the foot to the pedal as they tallied 3 more times… Jackson, Reading & Fischer while Jamieson & Uptigrove drew assists. In the 3^rd McGrath would complete his hat-trick as he scored twice, one a “sick” dangle while Miller round out the scoring making the final 9-3 (Jamieson, Calder, Owen Locke & Fischer picked up assists).

With the 3 convincing wins the Cycs would face South Huron in the semi-finals. This was a hard fought game as again the Cycs pressured early but strong goaltending in the Sabres net held the Cycs at bay. Late in the 1^st Jamieson would tip home a Gooding shot to give the Cycs the 1-0 lead (MacLeod drew the 2^nd assist). The score would remain this way until early in the 3^rd when Reading would snap home an errant pass extending the lead. South Huron would continue to press in the 3^rd but Nic O’Grady was solid in net; then with seconds remaining the Sabres would bust the shut-out as they batted a puck out of mid-air but this was too little to late as the locals lads would head to the finals with a 2-1 victory.

In the finals the Cycs would face a much more determined Tavistock team, who to their credit was much more prepared for the Cyclone style of hockey. Uptigrove would again open the scoring in the 1^st as he buried his own rebound (Jamieson & MacLeod assisting). Undaunted the Titans would tie the game in the 2^nd but just over a minute later the Cycs would again take the lead as Gooding’s  great individual effort would leave Miller the open net (Jamieson with the 2^nd assist). Then with the momentum growing Jackson would extend the Cyc’s lead with a nice shot from the point through traffic (Gottfried & McGrath assisting). From here the defensive core of Jackson, Gooding, Calder, Coelho & Locke along with O’Grady in net would shut the door securing the 3-1 victory, the regional title and a chance to participate in the International Silver Stick.

From the 1^st game to the last the young men from Listowel came determined to compete this weekend & their victory was a direct result of how hard they all worked. Congrats to all of them as it’s a great way to end the 2013 year.


Team members (Goalies L-R); Nic O'Grady, Sam Johnston Middle Row (L-R); Reese Reading, Reid Gooding, Brett MacLeod, Derek Fischer, Curtis Jackson, Will Calder & Josh Coelho back Row (L-R); Larry Gordon (manager), Bruce Fitzgerald (coach), Michael Uptigrove, Austin McGrath, Brian Tucker (trainer), Cooper Miller, Josh Gottfried, Lucas Jamieson, Owen Locke, Jerry Rozendal (coach), Rob Hollinger (coach)