The Elmvale
Coyotes U11 B team, sponsored by JMC Stoneworks, kicked off the tournament
season travelling to Goderich for the Ryan O’Reilly Youth Challenge Cup on
Friday November 1st-3rd.
The team led
by Head Coach Graham Archer, Assistant Coach Alicia Noble and Trainers Brett
Klein Gebbinck and Dave Rockey, came out strong in the first game of the
tournament against East Elgin Attack. Fans watched incredible passing plays
from forwards Nash Rockey and Seamus Bignell while Kolten Klein Gebbinck
provided offensive leadership scoring three goals. Defenseman Lincoln Lougheed
and Barrett Dermott hustled to provide strong defensive coverage, solidifying a
shutout for goalie Emmett Coughlin. The team celebrated the first win of the
tournament with a 6-0 victory.
The Coyotes
kept the energy going in game two of the tournament against Mooretown Jr.
Flags. Winger Felix Nobel scored the first goal of the game and forward Logan
Phillips battled hard against the boards, keeping the offensive pressure going.
Defenseman Kohen Archer scored a beauty goal from the point ensuring an
outstanding 7-1 victory.
Game three
kept fans on the edge of their seats as they battled the also hungry east
Lambton Eagles. The winner of the game would play in the championship final.
Incredible passing, solid defense and goaltending from both teams kept the
score close with a 2-2 tie leading into the third period. Forward Sawyer Trace
battled hard to keep the puck out of our end while Cole Foster scored the game
winning goal, moving the Coyotes into the championship final game.
Excitement
filled the arena for the championship game as the Elmvale Coyotes entered the
rink to a howling fan base against their challenger, the Walkerton Capitals.
Injured player Calvin Parnell cheered on his team from the sidelines as the
Coyotes gave it their all. Wingman Owen Durnford was strong with back checking
and board battles while defenseman Easton Culbert stopped multiple breakaway
chances. The Coyotes took the lead in the third however, the Walkerton Capitals
fought hard to tie it up and scored the winning goal with only 6 seconds
remaining. With a 3-2 loss, the Elmvale Coyotes U11 B Rep team took home the
silver medal. Although the kids didn’t leave with the medal they had hoped for,
the tournament did exactly what it intended to do – took a group of kids who
love the game of hockey and created a family of brothers with the passion and
determination to keep having fun, supporting each other and working hard.
Special
thanks to our team manager Theresa Dermott for all of her planning,
organization and thoughtful gifts. Shout out to The Elmvale Coyotes U11 B
Rep families for all the laughs and good times. Cheers to a successful
tournament, super proud families and an incredible hockey season.
Written by: Michelle Durnford