On February 19th through
the 21st the South Huron Sabres Tyke "Red" travelled to St. Thomas
for the Boston Pizza Tyke (2009) Roster Select tournament and won gold.
Game 1 against the Mooretown tyke selects was a strong game for the young Sabres. After being down early 3-0 the Sabres dug down deep and scored 5 unanswered goals in a 5-3 victory. With only having 3 defensemen for the tournament, the trio of Drew Kramer, Ryan Obre and Jesse Debruyn worked hard to keep the game close until the Sabre offense took over. Game highlight was the hard two way play of the team that featured some good passing with 8 assists on the 5 goals. Goaltender Logan Morley was strong in net for the win. Player of the game was Hudson Leenders who had 2 goals and 2 assists.
Game 2 against the Twin Centers Stars tyke selects found the Sabres down 3-1 early into the 2nd period, but again the hard work and the strong two way play allowed the Sabres to come back and win with 4 unanswered goals in another 5-3 win. Strong passing and puck movement proved to be the key with another 8 assists on the 5 South Huron goals. Goaltender Logan Morley made numerous keys saves in sealing the victory. Players of the game were Jesse Debruyn with 3 assists and Ryan Obre with an assist. Both defensemen were very strong on the point.
Game 3 against the host St. Thomas Jr. Star’s tyke selects was strong game from start to finish for the Sabres with an 18-0 win. The forward line of Kane Barch, Finn Theophilopoulos and Jack Taylor combined for 21 points and the line of Cullen (T-Bone) Kerslake, Kallen Grant and Hudson Leenders combined for 15 points. The defense were strong on the blue line contributing with a goal and adding 6 helpers. Drew Kramer stepped up with 3 assists from the point. Logan Morley posted the shutout. Player of the game was Cullen (T-Bone) Kerslake with the hat-trick and 3 assists.
After the preliminary round robin the South Huron Sabres found themselves on top of the standings in first place out of the 14 team pool and had to prepare themselves for a very strong North Toronto team in the semi-final.
Game 4 ("A" Semi-final) against the North Toronto Red tyke selects was a battle like no other, The Sabres jumped out to a 3-1 lead midway through the game, but the North Toronto Selects were able to tie the game halfway through the 3rd period. The game found itself go into a 4 on 4 sudden death overtime in this elimination game. The teams traded chances at both ends during the extra period. The strong Sabre defensive play held the Toronto team at bay with a huge penalty kill during the overtime period as well. After the 5 minute overtime the game still was not decided and a shootout was next. Shooters Hudson Leenders and Jack Taylor capitalized on their chances, and goaltender Logan Morley shut the door on all of the Toronto shots. The Sabres won 4-3!!! Player of the game was Goaltender Logan Morley who stood tall all game long in net.
Game 5 ("A" Final) against the Kitchener Capitals tyke selects was another hard fought game that featured strong 2 way play. An early goal from Finn Theophilopoulos was huge in getting the offense fired up as the Sabres were able to tally 4 first period goals and lead 4-1 after one. The Kitchener selects were able to get within one goal by making it 4-3 midway through the 2nd. The Sabres were able to add a couple more goals and the tight defense sealed the deal in a strong 6-3 win! Players of the game were Kane Barch with 2 goals and 2 assists and Jack Taylor with one goal and 2 helpers. Logan Morley again was strong in net capping off an amazing tournament between the pipes.
Enough cannot be said about the strong play from our 2 youngsters. Both Kallen Grant and Finn Theophilopoulos were the 2 youngest players (2010) that participated in the tournament. The two left wingers maintained great positional play and strong two way play. The duo went on to combine for 3 goals and 13 assists over the 5 games. Great job boys!!
Congratulations to the Sabres! All the coaches, family and friends are very proud of your accomplishments over the season and the 2 tournament gold medals.
One spectator approached me after the St. Thomas tournament, congratulated me and said "The boys played like men over the weekend!" He could not have summed it up any better.
The undefeated (30 - 0) South Huron Sabres Tyke "Red" will now go on to complete the remainder of their Lambton-Middlesex season.
Derrick Leenders
Head Coach