Nov 08, 2011 | mlandry | 1767 views
PeeWees Finalists at Big Nickel
The Huron-Perth Major PeeWees enjoyed a successful weekend in Sudbury at the prestigious Big Nickel Tournament. In a field of 16 teams, the 99 Lakers made it to the final, losing 4 to 3 in OT to Ottawa Valley Silver Seven.
The Lakers traveled to Sudbury and were optimistic about their chances to go far in the Big Nickel. The tournament has been in existence since the early 80's and attracts teams from across Ontario. The Lakers were the only team representing Alliance hockey and were determined to fare well against OMHA, GTHL, ODHA and Northern Ontario foes.
Game #1 - vs Central Ontario Wolves
The Lakers began Friday morning vs Central Ontario Wolves. Play was even after the 1st period. The Laker speed game took over in the 2nd and forced Central Ontario into penalty trouble. The power play was on in this game, scoring 3 of 5 goals with a man advantage. Shots were 30 to 16 in favor of Lakers. Bailey Paquette was busy in the 3rd, making a couple tough saves when score was 3-2. Final score was 5-2. Scoring was as follows:
#1 - Wil Thibeault from Tanner Hertel.
#2 - Tanner Johnson from Noah Kuno (PP).
#3 - Jacob Rooke from Kuno and Kade Landry (PP).
#4 - Thibeault unassisted.
#5 - Johnson from Rooke and Ben Derrough (PP).
Game #2 - vs Halton Hurricanes
This was a trademark defensive game for the Lakers. Missing Brett Denny with an injury, the defense core of Mitchell Casey, Evan Moorehead, Carter Collinson, Derrough and Landry kept the speedy Hurricanes to the outside and limited shots on goalie Brock Baier. Baier made a spectacular breakaway save in the 3rd to preserve the win and shutout. The Lakers outshot Halton 19-15 but felt fortunate to win 1-0. Tanner Johnson scored the lone goal on a power play from Rooke and Kuno.
Game #3 - vs Sudbury Wolves
The home town Wolves were mostly asleep for an early Saturday morning game. Paquette picked up a shutout, stopping 5 shots. The Lakers recorded 29 shots and the final score of 4-0 was modest considering the Lakers significantly outplayed Sudbury. Scoring was as follows:
#1 - Johnson from Kuno and Ashton Stockie.
#2 - Landry from Hertel.
#3 - Stockie from Kuno and Johnson.
#4 - Blair Butchart from Johnson and Moorehead (PP).
Game #4 - vs Nickel City Sons
The late Saturday game was great to watch. Both teams needed a win to ensure semi-final play and the speed and style of play was outstanding. Coach Baier had the boys playing their systems perfectly. Chances for both sides were minimal. The Lakers scored first when Thibeault was awarded a penalty shot and deked the goalie for a beauty goal. The Sons tied the game in the 3rd to force OT. A 5 minute OT produced no winner. A shootout would decide this one. Goalie Brock Baier did his job, stopping all 3 Nickel City shooters. After Thibeault and Johnson were stymied, Kuno was the hero, scoring on a nice shot to send the Lakers to the semi's. The Lakers outshot the Sons 22 to 14.
Game #5 - Semi-final vs Halton Hurricanes
The semi-final was a rematch with Halton. Laker fans were nervous knowing Halton was capable of derailing the low-scoring Lakers. Playing on large ice at Countryside arena, the game was fast paced for these skilled and quick skating teams. Both teams limited quality scoring chances and the game was well played from a defensive perspective.
The Lakers scored first on a 2nd period deflection from Kuno. Collinson and Rooke picked up assists. Late in the 3rd period, the Lakers received a 5 minute major penalty, forcing a long penalty kill. Halton ramped up the intensity and peppered the Laker net. Baier made a number of key saves and the PK unit was perfect, killing off the questionable 5 minute penalty. Unfortunately, with 11 seconds to play, Halton tied the game to force OT.
The OT was played cautiously by both teams. To the Lakers credit, they stuck to their game plan and didn't allow the late 3rd period goal to deflate confidence. In the last minute of OT, Johnson took an innocent backhand shot towards the net, giving the Lakers a 2-1 win and a trip to the final.
Game #6 - Final vs Ottawa Valley Silver Seven
Ottawa Valley defeated the Toronto Junior Canadians via a shootout in the other semi-final. The Laker squad knew Ottawa Valley would be a formidable opponent.
The Silver Seven opened the scoring in the 2nd period. Shortly after, the Lakers scored two goals on the same shift and went to intermission with a 2-1 lead. Ottawa scored early in the 3rd to tie. Kuno lifted the Lakers back into the lead with a short handed marker only to see Ottawa tie again with 5 minutes remaining.
The game ended tied at 3, forcing yet another OT. Credit goes to Ottawa Valley in OT. Even though the Lakers outshot Ottawa Valley 22 to 13 through 3 periods, Ottawa Valley pressed hard, eventually scoring the winner with 1.34 minutes left in OT. Scoring in the game was as follows:
1st - Thibeault from Mitchel Deelstra.
2nd - Kuno from Hertel.
3rd - Kuno from Stockie.
Baier played net in the final. With a depleted defensive unit due to injury and suspension, Rhys Vollmer dropped back from forward and played defense admirably.
While the players and coaching staff were initially disappointed with falling short, the end result was satisfying. The tournament was a great experience and very exciting to watch. The entire team and coaching staff should be proud of the effort.
The Lakers are back to league play this week, playing three home games against Kitchener, Chatham and Cambridge.