The Huron Perth Minor Atom Lakers had a very successful tournament in Guelph, earning silver medals at the 36th Annual Power Play Tournament last weekend. These Lakers grew leaps and bounds as a team and their coaching staff and parents are very proud of their efforts. This weekend's success was a true display of teamwork, disciplined play and a positive attitude. While they have been playing good hockey this year, the Minor Atoms have had trouble with scoring, but after this weekend the problem seems to be solved.
.jpg)
Tournament Recap
Minor Atoms 5 Guelph Jr. Storm 3
The Lakers were playing short staffed due to two suspensions. The team was able to take an early lead with Jacob Hrudka (South Huron) filling in up front, scoring on the first shift of the game unassisted. The Storm came back and tied with a power play goal. The Lakers took the lead back with Cole McKee (Wingham) scoring from Nick Jung (Elma Logan). The Storm once again tied the game on a power play goal but Chayse Herrfort (Minto) opened the lead in the third on an assist from Neve Van Pelt (Mitchell). Liam Melady (Seaforth) followed on a tic-tac-toe pass from Brent West (Shallow Lake) and Spencer Dowd (Milverton). The fifth goal came 10 seconds later as Dominic Burbine (Goderich) beat the Storm goalie on a pass from West and Jung. Guelph scored with five minutes left in the game, but the defensive core and Wyatt Nicholson (Mitchell) in net did not let them get any closer. Five different scorers showed the entire team was in this game. The game MVP was awarded to Cole McKee for his strength on the face-off draws and consistent back checking to break up the Storm's plays.
Markham 5 Minor Atoms 2
The second game of the tournament saw the Lakers facing a strong Markham Waxer team, who played good positional hockey and moved the puck well. The Lakers came out flat and were down 3-0 four minutes into the game. The Lakers battled back hard but did not find the net until the third period. Herrfort opened Lakers scoring on assists from Justin McCarter (South Huron) and Ryley Cribben (Minto). McKee added one with five minutes left in the game on a play from Jung and Nicole Zabel (Minto), bringing the Lakers to within two, but that was as close as they would get. The Waxers added one more with 57 seconds remaining. Ryley Cribben was awarded MVP of the game for his good puck movement and many shots and scoring opportunities.
Minor Atoms 4 Central Ontario Wolves 2
Again the Lakers were able to convert on first period scoring opportunities, to take an early 2-0 lead. Both goals were from Herrfort with the first combination from Cribben and Hrudka and the second shorthanded from Kyle Jones (South Huron) and Melady. Midway through the second period, a turn-over at the Wolves' blue line resulted in a two on none for the Wolves. Wyatt Nicholson made a sliding save to keep the Wolves off the score board. At 4:39 of the second just after the Lakers killed off a power play the Wolves scored their first of the game. With only 15 seconds remaining in the second period and on the power play, Jung finished off a pretty passing play from Burbine and McKee. The Lakers kept the pressure on the Wolves but could not score until, once again shorthanded, Herrfort scored on a perfect pass from Hrudka. The Wolves scored once more in the third to make the final 4-2. Neve Van Pelt, Justin McCarter and Liam Melady had strong games, as did Herrfort with his hat trick and strong back checking. Wyatt Nicholson received MVP for the game for his numerous saves.
Minor Atoms 3 St. Catharines Falcons 0
Once again the Lakers came out flying as Dominic Burbine scored 36 seconds into the game with assists coming from McKee and Jon Baker (South Huron). The team focus was playing a good disciplined game, ensuring they played well positionally and did not take any bad penalties. The Lakers kept the pressure on as they fired shot after shot at the Falcons' net but were unable to score. Finally halfway through the second, the Lakers were able to beat the Falcons' goalie. This goal was a blast from the point on the power play by Jacob Hrudka assisted from his defence partner Baker and Justin McCarter. The third goal was also on the power play scored by Brent West with an assist to Kyle Jones. Lakers passing and winning the 1-on-1 battles was the difference in this game. In the third, the Falcons turned their game focus to hitting & physically getting in the way. The Lakers played the physical style, but did a good job at remaining disciplined. Nicole Zabel, Spencer Dowd and Keenan Conlon (Goderich) all had great games. Brandon Bean (Goderich) was MVP of the game, showing a high energy level and great focus in net, making many good saves to earn a much needed shut-out.
Championship Game - Markham Waxers 4 Minor Atoms 0
Making it to the finals meant having to face the fast skating and hard hitting team from Markham again; a team not having lost a regular season game yet. The Lakers had a couple of early scoring opportunities, but could not convert. The team kept the Waxers off the scoreboard until late in the first, when they scored a couple quick goals. In the second and third, the Lakers were not able to muster much of an offensive attack. Both Wyatt Nicholson and Brandon Bean played well in the Laker net, splitting the duties, with Bean earning the game MVP award.
The Lakers will take this positive momentum on the road this weekend to face Hamilton on Saturday and Brantford on Sunday. Hopefully the team will be able to take the past weekend's accomplishment, and carry their success forward into league play, for some much needed points.