The Sarnia Jr. Sting Minor Atom MD's travelled to London over the weekend to compete in its first hockey tournament of the year - The Dan Pulham Memorial. There were 9 teams represented in their Minor Atom division. The Jr. Sting were short players and brought up two boys to AP - Ethan Charron and Tyler Caron.
Game 1 vs. Caledon Hawks
The Sting's first competition was against the Caledon Hawks. The game was played early Friday morning at the Stronarch Arena. The boys started slowly as Caledon opened the scoring 12 seconds into the game. They would find themselves trailing by 2 after one period. although they eventually played stronger hockey in the game the boys lost their opener 6 - 0.
Game 2 vs. Milton Winter Hawks
The boys needed to come out ready for their second game if they wanted to advance. The Atoms would not disappoint this game as they showed true grit and determination throughout. Milton would open the scoring early, however, Sarnia would bounce back two minutes later with Lleyton Williams notching his first goal of the tourney (assist went to Cayden Wise). Sarnia would eventually take the lead by two with goals from Quinlan Schmidt and Jacob Gould (assisting were Jacob Gould and Chandler Haagsma). Milton would close the gap by scoring late in the Third however Sting defenseman Connor Antosiak would not be denied and put the game away scoring in the empty net. Final Score Sania Jr. Sting 4 - Milton Winter Hawks 2.
Game 3 vs. Ajax Knights
Sarnia would return to the rink early Saturday morning to face the Ajax Knights in a must win situation. As in their first game, the boys began on a slow pace as Ajax opened the scoring on a power play, two minutes into the game. That was all however they would muster as Sarnia would start the second period on a mission. Sting forward Kurtis Allardyce would tie the game 4 minutes into the second (assisted by Jacob Gould). The Sting would add three more goals - Daniel Gratton (assisted by Chandler Haagsma), Lleyton Williams -short handed (assisted by Kristian Spitzig) and Kurtis Allardyce(2) assisted by Jacob Gould.
Final Score : Sarnia Jr. Sting 4 - Ajax Knights 1.
Game 4 vs. Richmond Hill Stars
The Sting would play the undefeated Richmond Hill Stars for their final game of the first round. A win or tie would guarantee them a birth in the semi-finals. The boys came ready to play and were anxious for puck drop.
The Stars would take the lead early in the first period, capitalizing on a loose rebound infront of Sting goalie Ian Stouth. They would go up by two 5 minutes into the second period. As in many cases, Sarnia would bounce right back scoring 30 seconds later. Sting winger Adam Ikert would finish a one-timer, on a beautiful pass from left wing Tyler Caron. Also assisting on the goal would be Cayden wise. That goal seemed to ignite the Sting as they mounted severe pressure in the Toronto end. Sarnia would give up a late goal in the dying seconds of the period to find themselves trailing by two at the start of the third period. One minute into the third period, Richmond Hill would go up by three,again taking advantage of a loose puck scramble in the Sting crease. Sarnia would exemplify great character and strong will as the boys refused to give-up and continued pressuring their opponents. The strong fortitude was awarded with a goal as Sting winger Kristian Spitzig would find the back of the Stars net and bring Sarnia within two (assisting on the goal were Kurtis Allardyce and Cayden Wise). The Sting goalie would be pulled from the net with 3 minutes remaining to favour an extra attacker. Time would be a factor as the buzzer would sound to end the game. Final Score - Sarnia Jr. Sting 2 - Richmond Hill Stars 4.
Sarnia would not make it to the semi-finals as they were tied for forth but would lose out according to goals for and against.
Coaches were extremely happy of the boy's performance as they grew stronger each game. It was a great stepping stone and learning experience for all!
