Nov 11, 2015 | Cory Schepers | 2393 views
McNamara Power Line Construction Atoms News
After a good start to the season learning each other (2-2 record in league play) the McNamara Power Line Construction Atom AE team decided to head south to Tillsonburg to enter our first tournament of the year. At this age there is so much excitement that surrounds the entire weekend. The hockey is what brings us all together but it is the mini stick games, the water slide fun and belly flop contests that really solidify a team as they get to know each other off the ice. We had to enter this tournament down a player as Carter had an unfortunate injury but the video sent and words of encouragement went a long way to assist these young boys to play their best and have a great weekend.
It was an early start to the morning on Friday November 6th as we had our first game at 12:15. Most parents had no problems gauging time and reading the schedule properly but poor Raffi had to dress in lightening speed in order to make it on the ice for puck drop. It was understood the assistant trainer has too much on his mind preparing for the game to confirm the scheduled start time. After a slow start to the game and falling behind early the team seemed to get their legs under them and started to play some solid hockey. In the end we were able to defeat Hespler by a score of 5-2. Hayden King was awarded the player of the game for his hard work in and around the net.
We had a break long enough to go check into our hotel and get a bite to eat before we had to face a strong Lambeth team. Lambeth was hungry and came out hard skating fast and passing the puck creating a number of chances. Our young team played very hard and stayed with them the entire game but in the end we just couldn't find the net and lost 1-0. Nikolas Schepers was awarded the player of the game for standing strong in net and turning away all but one shot.
That ended the hockey for day one. What this meant was back to the hotel for a quick bite and then the fun and camaraderie would begin. It started down at the pool with all kids lined up for the water slide again and again. It was hard to hear yourself think let alone talk with all the laughter and enjoyment coming from the kids. As coach Brian entered the pool area the real excitement began as this meant it was time for the intense belly flop contest. The players and their siblings lined up one by one trying to outdo this fearless coach with a better belly flop. In the end, after a few warnings from the life guard, the belly flop contest ended. With great efforts by all the veteran coach Brian still had the best belly flop. In fairness these poor kids didn't stand a chance when you took into account total surface area he was almost guaranteed the win! From the pool it was time to play some mini sticks, capture the flag and just hang in the rooms watching some hockey or a movie. Curfew was extended as we didn't have to hit the ice unto 2:45 the next day. Every player went to bed with a smile and excited to do it all over again the next day. In the meantime the coaching staff and some parents were able to stay up having a late night strategy session. This proved to take longer than expected but was very productive. Some people may not have made to bed until 3:18 but lots was discussed and plans were made.
Saturday everyone had time to sleep in. From there the kids again played around in the hotel and did various activities until it was time to go to the next game. This game put us up against a very strong and undefeated Paris team. Due to the games played previously the coaching staff knew we needed a strong game and that we needed a 2-0 or 3-1 result in order to continue on in the tournament. Every player played their hearts out and we were giving Paris all they could handle. With 2 minutes remaining the score was still 0-0 but knowing the outcome needed it was decided to pull the goaltender to try and secure a semi final spot. This move caused some gasps and questioning in the crowd about the move. In the end we fell short 2-0 in well fought game that every player should be very proud about playing. Paris would be the eventual tournament champs. Jake Dutton was the player of the game in this one as his two way play was second to none.
After the game the entire team and their families gathered at the local BP to have a team dinner. The loss was quickly put behind these players as they began enjoying their time and laughing while they took up half the restaurant. Back at the hotel it was more of the same as the night before. Lots of swimming (with the odd belly flop), water slide and hallway fun. Every player went to bed that night knowing they can compete with the better teams around and have a lot of fun doing it. These kids deserve a lot of kudos as they fought hard and played with everything they had. Nikolas, Nathan, Kyle, Carlos, Luke, Anthony, Hayden, Ty, Raffi, Bradford, Beckham, Jake D and Jake M should be very proud of how they played.
We would like to send a special thanks to Carter who was missed but we know you were there in spirit and helped us play to the level we did. We would also like to thank our sponsor McNamara Power Line Construction as we wouldn't be able to play with out these great sponsors.
If you are available on November 20 and 21 please come out to support this great group of kids as we have our Elmvale Atom AE tournament. You will be entertained by these hard working young men. See you at the rink!