.jpg)
U18 - B - U18-B Coyotes Crowned Rock Tournament Champions
This past weekend the Whitfield’s
Pharmacy U18 B Elmvale Coyotes Team traveled to St Mary’s for the Annual Rock
Cup Tournament. Right out of the gate the boys were up against some stiff
competition, playing against the #2 ranked ‘B’ team in the province, the
Dorchester Dragons. To add a little more adversity to the game, white-out
conditions caused several players to be delayed in their arrival, leaving
Elmvale with only 9 skaters to start the game.
The team came ready to play though as Josh Stone opened up the scoring with a powerplay goal in the first period on a hard-fought battle in front of the net. The second period went scoreless, but the display of fast-paced hockey was surreal to watch, especially with many key saves coming from our netminder Nik Schepers. It wasn’t until the third period when Ben Kelly lit the lamp with a shorthanded goal to make it 2-0. The intensity picked up after that from the strong Dorchester team as they battled back with two late goals to end the game with a 2-2 tie. Assists went to Keenan Crowder and Garrett Fay. This game showed some strong resiliency by both teams but showed our boys that they could hang with the best of them.
Game two was against a feisty Bruce Peninsula. The game started slow with lots of transition hockey and few scoring chances. Possession of the game started to turn our way in the second period as Ben Kelly and Cooper Mogridge found the back of the net. The third period led to some physical play and plenty of penalty minutes for Bruce Peninsula. Cooper would ‘double dip’ and find the back of the net again, this time on the power play. Our Captain, Cam Robertson had a tenacious third period putting up a hat trick to cap the game off with a 6-0 final. Assists went to Jake Murphy (2), Jaxson Johnston, Josh Stone, Jaxon Pretty, Beckham Westcott and Ty Groenewoud. Brayson Fay had a stellar game in net to cap off the shutout.
Game three was a clash against Hometown St Mary’s. Ben Kelly opened the scoring in the first period, to give Elmvale the lead in a period where chances went back and forth. St Mary’s started the second strong, tagging two goals to take the lead 2-1. Cam Robertson responded on the powerplay to tie the game 2-2. The third period scoring started with none other than Ben Kelly, who was dominant all weekend. Noah Johnston would score one late in the third to give Elmvale a 4-2 lead, which ended up being the game winner as the game ended 4-3 for Elmvale. Assists going to Jake Murphy (2), Garrett Fay, Jaxon Pretty, Keenan Crowder, Josh Stone and Cooper Mogridge. The win secured first place in our round robin pool and a date against the Ayr Flames in the semi-finals on Sunday.
The boys came out firing in the first period of the semi-finals putting up three goals by Josh Stone, Ty Gronewoud and Tanner Playne. Ayr responded late in the second putting up two goals, but Ben Kelly struck again with a goal to make it 4-2 at the end of the second. The third period proved to be all Elmvale as they used their offensive zone skills to put up another three goals, scored by Josh Stone (2), Ty Groenewoud (2) and Cam Robertson. The game ended with a 7-3 score and a ticket to the finals. Assists came from Garrett Fay (2), Cam Robertson (2), Jaxon Pretty, Cooper Mogridge, Ty Groenewoud, Ben Kelly and Noah Johnston.
The championship game was a 4:45 afternoon start, with an anticipated rematch vs the Dorchester Dragons. From puck drop you could feel the intensity in the arena, it was a game both teams were ready to do whatever it takes to win. The first and second period went scoreless, both teams exchanged big hits, massive saves and a whole lot of effort. As the third period started you could feel the animosity growing between both sides as the play got more aggressive. Tanner Playne opened the scoring in the third off a nice dish from Ty Gronewoud. As the third period progressed the energy intensified, with every shot a lively reaction from the crowd. Elmvale got a powerplay with 7:07 left in the period and with a good shot that beat the goalie but not the post from Cam Robertson, the puck popped right out to Noah Johnston who didn’t hesitate to bury the 2-0 lead. With outstanding goaltending by Nik Schepers the boys held the shutout and were crowned tournament champions.
I would like to congratulate the team on representing Elmvale well and making the town proud of their achievement. Also thank you to the parents and fans for their continued faith and support all season long.
With the monumental win the boys look to keep the momentum rolling as they start playoffs this weekend.
The U18 B Elmvale Coyotes consist of Cam Robertson (C), Ben Kelly (A), Isaac Jesseau (A), Keenan Crowder (A), Nik Schepers, Brayson Fay, Jake Dutton, Cooper Mogridge, Garrett Fay, Ty Groenewoud, Tanner Playne, Jaxon Pretty, Josh Stone, Beckham Westcott, Jaxson Johnston, Noah Johnston, Jake Murphy, Coaching Staff: Andrew Priest, Jayson Colyn, Jake Bouzis, Jake Lalonde, Dave Crowder and Manager Carrie Jesseau.
Elmvale who? Who who who who who who………
Written by: Andrew Priest