Feb 23, 2014 | novicetc | 1041 views
St. Thomas Select Classic
The Mooretown Tri-County Chargers took a break from their busy league
playoffs schedule to participate in a Roster Select Tournament in St. Thomas.
The team knew that this tournament would challenge their skills but were ready
to put it all on the line.
The tournament started on Friday against the the host team, St. Thomas. The team got off to a quick start and led 1-0 for most of the first period. The Jr. Stars would tie the game at one before the puck movement of Mooretown would extend their lead to 3-1. St. Thomas would not give up and were able to tally another goal bringing the score to 3-2. Mooretown continued to have an answer for the pressing home team and were able to restore the two goal lead. A late push with the net empty was stopped by the Chargers and the boys were off to a good start with a 4-2 win.
Saturday brought game two against the Fusion from Center-Wellington. The Fusion had the boys on their heels to start the game and jumped out to a 3-1 lead. The coaches made minor line changes through out the second period and the boys responded. The team continued to move the puck, play great positionally and worked as a team. These skills started to wear down the Fusion and before the end of the second, Mooretown had tied the game 3-3. Early in the third, Mooretown completed the comeback and led for the first time in the game. The team continued to work together and once the dust had settled the Chargers had scored 6 goals in the third for another victory, 9-3. After the game the team was informed that their hard work had paid off as they clinched first seed in the "A" division.
Early Sunday morning we arrived to play our semifinal game against the Waterloo Wolves. The boys were up for the challenge. The game started with both teams trading scoring chances throughout the first. It was fast paced and the period end with Waterloo up 1-0. Mooretown continued to play an unselfish brand of hockey throughout the second period but a hot goaltending duo from Waterloo kept them off the scoreboard. Waterloo was able to score and extend their lead to 2-0 with one period to play. As the boys lined up to start the third their body language indicated that they still had plenty of fight left. It showed in their play as they gave the Wolves everything they could handle. The opposition goalie and goal posts were the only thing keeping Mooretown off the score sheet. Midway through the third period the score was 2-1 and Waterloo was on their heels. The fans were excited and prepared themselves for a wild finish. Mooretown pulled their goalie with just under 2 mins remaining in regulation and Mooretown went to work. The puck only left the Wolves' zone once as the Mooretown attack continued to generate scoring chances. In the end the Waterloo goalie was able to hold the lead and the game would end with a 3-1 score.
Mooretown's tournament would end in the semifinals but the team should hold their heads high. Everyone involved with the team can be proud of the heart and determination these young boys showed as they worked as a team towards a common goal. Never once during the tournament did an individual decide he needed to do it himself. Even when behind on the scoreboard, the boys would make a pass to make a play, for the team. It is this dedication to teamwork that has made this a special team this year.
Hold your heads high boys, you have earned it.