The
Minto Maddogs Atom Rep team traveled to Forest Ontario this past
weekend to take part in the International Silver Stick Finals
Tournament.
There was much anticipation after Minto was proudly represented just 2 weeks earlier by the Midget Rep team, when they finished as Finalists. The Silver Stick Finals tournament features the top teams from 8 regional tournaments throughout Ontario and the United States. Minto qualified at the Wingham Regional Silver Stick Tournament, by finishing 1st out of 12 teams from Ontario.
The Maddogs started the tournament on Friday morning with a hard fought 2-1 win over the Haggersville Devils. After a short rest, Game #2 would we see the team face off against the Lucan Irish, the 2011 reigning Silver Stick Champions. Lucan would take an early 3 goal lead within the first 5 minutes of the game. Minto then began an amazing comeback during the remainder of the 1st and 2nd periods and did not stop until they took a 4-3 lead, which they held to earn win#2. It was the Maddogs that jumped to an early lead in Game #3 against St.Clair Shores, MI. The game would end in a 5-1 decision in Minto’s favor.
After round robin play, our record was 3-0, which would place Minto 1st in the McKellar Division. Given the team’s 1st place ranking, the Maddogs found themselves matched against the Fort Wayne, Indiana Komets in the Semi-finals. Minto would take a 2 goal lead in the 1st minute of play and didn’t look back. The Maddogs would advance to the Championship game with a 5-2 win over the Komets.
In the finals, Minto met the Lucan Irish yet again, and like their game in round robin play, Lucan took an early lead. Both teams battled back and forth providing a thrilling and stress-filled game for the final match up. The Maddogs would overtake the Lucan squad with a score of 6-4 to capture the Championship title.
Minto’s record was 5-0 for the tournament and was the only team to go undefeated. As coaches, the kids provided us with the opportunity to share a very special experience with them. It was amazing to see the amount of desire, drive and heart that each and every player displayed throughout the weekend, it was a complete team effort. We came to win and to have fun along the way and accomplished both. You made the coaching staff and Minto Minor Hockey very proud!
GO MINTO!!!
Written by Dale Litt