The Huron-Perth Lakers Minor Atoms were semi-finalists in the Vic Teal International Tournament over the Christmas holidays. The Minor Atoms defeated teams from Ontario, Ohio & New York on their way to the semi-finals.
Vs Guelph Storm
The Lakers came out slow but managed to pick up the pace and the 3-2 win. Laker Riley Deline was the winning goalie. Player with Heart MVP Award went to Brady MacDonald.
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#
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P
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Time
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G
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AST 1
|
AST 2
|
|
1
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1
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6:02
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Dowd
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MacDonald
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Pearson
|
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2
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1
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4:09
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Hinz
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Donaldson
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Gihula
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3
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3
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1:37
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Hinz
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Gilhula
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Donaldson
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Vs Columbus Jr Blue Jackets
The Minor Atoms would take the 3-2 win over Columbus. The Minor Atoms offense would pepper with Columbus goalie and outshoot the Blue Jackets 2:1. With score tied late in the third, powered by Gay Lea Chocolate Milk, Ryan Thede took a shot from the Blueline and scored the game winning goal. Tanner Knechtel would get the win in net. Player with Heart MVP Award went to Ryan Thede.
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#
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P
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Time
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G
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AST 1
|
AST 2
|
|
1
|
2
|
0:18
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Hinz
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Buchanan
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Boyle
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|
2
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3
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9:11
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Donaldson
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Thede
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Hinz
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3
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3
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2:44
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Thede
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Dowd
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Pearson
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Vs Hamburg
The Lakers would narrowly defeat Hamburg by a score of 2-1 with Riley Deline in net. Defenseman Joshua McNaughton, William Chisholm and Sam Tindall were outstanding on the blueline and foiled several break aways attempts by the Hawks. The Player with Heart MVP Awards went to Michael Boyle and Bayden Parent
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#
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P
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Time
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G
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AST 1
|
AST 2
|
|
1
|
2
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3:35
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Gilhula
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Hinz
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Pearson
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2
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3
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11:04
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Hinz
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Tindall
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Donaldson
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Vs Welland
The Welland Tigers would dominate the Minor Atoms from the drop of the puck. The Lakers were outplayed, outskated and out scored in this match. Bayden Parent would score the lone goal with the assist going to Coleton Atkins and Trent Buchanan. The Player with Heart MVP Award would go to Tanner Knechtel.
Semi Finals Vs Welland
Lakers found themselves battling once again against the Welland Tigers for a semi-final victory early Wednesday morning. The Minor Atoms came to the game with renewed vigor and played a much more defensively disciplined style of game. This game was a total team effort and each player had a vital role. Scoring for the Lakers would start shortly after the drop of the puck. The game was filled with end to end action, with both goaltenders making a seemingly endless amount of game saving stops. Excellent scoring opportunities and twangs off the crossbar by Pearson, McNaughton, Atkins and Dowd. With the score tied 2-2 late in the third, great go ahead feeds and passing by Gilhula, Donaldson & Hinz kept the Welland netminder on his toes and produced many great chances on the Tigers net. Riley Deline was outstanding in net denying the Tigers at crucial moments in the game. With two minutes left in the game, Welland would capitalize on the Lakers inability to clear the puck and a scrabble in front of our net. Welland would hold on to the lead and the 3-2 win.
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#
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P
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Time
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G
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AST 1
|
AST 2
|
|
1
|
1
|
9:22
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Hinz
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GIhula
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Donaldson
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|
2
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3
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8:36
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Gilhula
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Donaldson
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Hinz
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Brady Hinz( 5 goals & 3 Assists), Owen Gilhula( 2 Goals & 3 Assists) and Trevor Donaldson( 1 Goal & 5 Assists) were offensive power house during the tournament. Their line scored 8 of the 11 Laker goals.
All of the Minor Atoms worked hard at their respective positions. A shake of the hand to the Lakers defence, who had to dig deep killing penalties, clearing the puck and great shots from the point. Props to the forwards as well as they worked it hard to keep the pressure on the netminders. Goalies Tanner Knechtel and Riley Deline were outstanding throughout the tournament.
The boys should be very proud of themselves. They represented Huron-Perth Lakers very well at this tournament, playing their hearts out and playing as a team. “We love you Lakers!!”