U8 Hanover Canadian Tire Jamboree
Well hockey parents, the 2022/23 hockey season is starting to wind down as we put in our final few day sat the rink. The Elmvale U8 Coyotes have had a fantastic year. The LL1 team is an amazing group oftalented, hard working, respectful, and goofy (at times) young boys.
Our team is comprised of Emmett Coughlin, Wyatt Coughlin, William Draper, Ryker Johnson, Logan Hurdle, Rhys Moreau, Tristan Moreau, Nash Rockey, Able Rowe, Hudson Rowland, and Emerson Weiss. The U8’s were lucky enough to compete in one final tournament in Hanover this past weekend. Unfortunately with Logan and Able not able to attend, we were down some key players but still had a fantastic day.
As hockey parents can relate the day started early with an 8:10 am game that meant a VERY early 5 am wake up for the almost 2 hour drive to Hanover. Weather was an improvement on last years white-outdrive through the Grey Highlands and the team all made it for our first game vs. Woolwich Wildcats. Woolwich didn’t make it easy on the boys putting up some strong defence and limiting scoring chances. The Coyotes did end up pulling off a 7-5 win with solid scoring from Nash and Wyatt plus a great goaltending performance from Emmett. After a 3 hour break filled with snacks and shenanigans the boys were back on the ice vs. the home teamHanover Falcons. Hanover came out short on players with only 1 on the bench, looking like a sure win for Elmvale. However this wasn’t the case as Hanover showcased very strong goal scoring making this one a nail-biter. Thanks to outstanding goal tending from Rhys our guys were given a chance to pull ofan exciting 8-7 win. We had time for a quick snack and some laps around the gym before the 3rd game vs. Arran Ellerside Ice Dogs. This game saw some all time high scoring from the Elmvale boys and even some highlight-reel worthypassing plays, pretty exciting to see at this age. Goals were abundant from our tops scorers Nash and Wyatt; plus Val, Emmett, Rhys and Ryker got in on the action too. William almost pulled off a shut out in net only allowing 1 goal and letting the boys walk off with a 16-1 win. Tired and hungry we had time to kill during another 3 hour break. Thanks to our manager, Chandra Gervais we had dinner orders in ahead of time (highly recommend doing this!). The boys didn’t have to wait to be served their pizza and chicken nuggets; ultimately saving some restaurant melt downs. Sidenote: next time we know not to leave the condiments on the table with a bunch of 8 year old boys asthere were some shenanigans involving vinegar, ketchup, and pepper! The parents also had the opportunity to enjoy one (or more) much needed cold beverages during this break. After too many servings of ice cream the boys were recharged and back on the ice for the final game at 6:30 pm vs. Beverly Bandits. The last game saw the boys push through end of day fatigue to battle a tough opponent. The goals were hard to come by as the Bandits played hard defence and limited our chances. We were lucky to have Val in net who equally limited chances and gave our team the window we needed to win the fourth and final game in this tournament by a score of 3-2. The post game dressing room was a buzz with excitement of being undefeated. Coach Deb handed out the shiny medals to huge smiles, she congratulated each player on a day of hard work and determination.
The LL1 U8 team have been lead all year by some incredible and inspiring coaches; Deborah Coughlin, Chad Moreau and Dave Rockey. As a parent we appreciate your dedication to our children and even more, we appreciate the kind words and motivation that gets them through a tough practice or game. Not to mention the extra TLC that’s needed at this age to wipe away occasional tears and ensure the kids are always having fun!
Thanks to the boys, coaches and parents for a great hockey year. I’ve got my Coyotes Hockey Mom sweater all ready for next season.
Corinna Draper