Nov 30, 2014 | Mbrennan | 876 views
Peewee AEs Compete in Regional Silver Stick Over the Weekend
This weekend the Peewee AE Cyclones toured South Huron to compete in the Regional Silver Stick Tournament.
The boys started their tournament Friday morning in Exeter against the Petrolia Oilers. Petrolia ended up finishing first in the pool, but the Cyclones gave them a run for their money. The Oilers took the first two periods scoring one goal in each. But the Cyclones came on much stronger in the third period, managing to tie up the score thanks to goals by Nick (assisted by Maddox) and Reesor (Jacob and Kris with the assists). Unfortunately, with the Oilers on the power play, the Cycs couldn't hold them off and with 5 seconds remaining, they squeaked one by Lucas to win 3-2.
Late that same afternoon, the boys met the South Huron Sabres in Hensall. Despite keeping the bulk of the play in the opposition's end, Seth would manage a lone goal (assist from Nick) in the second. Battle for control of the puck would continue until halfway through the third period when the Sabres would find the back of our net. Final 1-1.
With one game Saturday in Stephen Township, the Cyclones would play their best game of the tournament. The South Kent Lightning defeated the Sabres 4-1, so hopes were not high for a win going into this game. But the Cycs pulled together and put on quite a show. Relentless grinding against the boards by Maddox, resulting in a puck to the head for one poor timekeeper, and persistence and courage shown by Kris, who continued to play his shifts after a knee injury. Halfway through the first, Jacob found the mesh assisted by Seth and Nick. Some great defensive work by Liam, working tirelessly to clear the puck, and Lucas who made many impressive saves, held off the Lightning until 6:04 when they finally got one by Lucas, tying the score 1-1. The crowd was on the edge of their seats for much of this game, but Freshie gave the fans a little bit of relief when, assisted by Johnny, he put one past the Lightning goalie to pull ahead 2-1.
Heading into the third, the Cycs were feeling pretty good about their one goal lead, and it was looking like maybe they'd have a shot at the semis after all. Both teams were fighting to stay in it and it showed. But at 2:25 those hopes seemed dashed as the Lightning potted one more, tying us up 2-2.
Then with 20 seconds on the clock, Lucas hustled over to the bench to add one more skater. And then it happened; with 18 seconds to go, Freshie put one in that would deflate the Lightning and send the Cyclones to the Semi. Final score 3-2.
The semi final game was Sunday morning. The Strathroy Jr. Rockets finished first in their pool with an undefeated record, so the Cycs knew they had their work cut out for them. Still, the first period would end scoreless as our boys held their ground with some good defensive play by Matt and Brayden. The forwards moved the puck into the offensive zone and attempted many set ups, but the Lightning defense was just too strong. Into the second period, the Rockets would pull ahead 2-0. A lone goal by Reesor would put us on the board, but was soon answered by another Rockets goal; 3-1. Some great offensive play, with six skaters on the ice for the final minute and a half, would just not pay off and the Rockets would send one into the empty net, ending the game 4-1.
The Peewee AE Cyclones are to be commended for their effort and great sportsmanship they displayed throughout this tournament. All of the boys worked hard to get to the semis and should be proud of the improvements they're making as a team.
Catch the Peewee AE Cycs at home tomorrow night against Ripley at 7:45.