On November 10th - 12th, The Novice Rep. Boys travelled to the Barrie "AAA" Remembrance Day Tournament.
Game #1 vs Nepean Raiders Major Novice "A" - Was a close game from start to finish. The boys were down early 1-0 but battled to make the game 3-1 after the first period. Nepean stormed back with 2 goals in the second to knot the game 3-3 heading into the third period. The teams exchanged goals early in the third period to make for an intense finish. Finally with 3:39 left in regulation the Sabres took the lead and held on for the 5-4 victory. The game featured many great passes and strong efforts from the entire team. Game MVP - Kane Barch
Game #2 vs Whitby Wildcats "AAA" - Boys found themselves down early 3-0 but made the game 3-2 after the first period. The second period was well played at both ends of the ice, with several quality chances the boys were unable to tie the game, the Sabres fought hard to score 2 goals in the second but still found themselves down 6-4 after 2 periods of play. The two teams each scored early in the third making the game 7-5 but that is as close as the Sabres could make it. The strong Wildcats team converted 4 goals late in the game to open it up and put the game away. Final Score 11-5. All coaches were very proud of how the boys kept pushing and didn't give up after being down early. The majority of the game was closer then the final score indicated. Game MVP - Hudson Leenders.
Game #3 vs Philadelphia Sting "U.S. Elite" - This was another close game from start to finish, trailing 2-1 after the first and trailed 5-2 after 2 periods of play. Again, the boys didn't give up and rallied back with 2 third period goals to make for an exciting finish, with a hard charge late in the final frame the boys were unable to tie it up. Final Score 5-4. Game MVP - Jack Taylor.
Game #4 vs Quinte Red Devils "AAA" - The boys ended their tournament with a very strong performance from the entire team! The Sabres led 3-1 after the first period and led 5-1 after two periods of play. The Quinte Red Devils score a goal midway through the final period, but that's as close as they would get as the Sabres shut the door the remainder of the way. Final Score 5-2. Game MVP - Jesse Debruyn.
I was very pleased with the way the boys adjusted to the fast pace and physical play of this tournament. The entire team worked together and played hard. Forwards - Kallen Grant, Basil McLaughlin, Myles Phillips, Hudson Leenders, Jack Taylor, Cole Smale and Kane Barch all worked very hard with strong two way play. Defence - Cullen (T-Bone) Kerslake, Jesse Debruyn, Ryan Obre and Drew Kramer all had strong weekends and adapted well on the point against these very strong teams. Goaltender - Logan Morley was on his toes standing up to the challenge of the strong competition all weekend long in net.
My tournament highlight was the strong team game the boys played! The passing was unbelievable, the sabres out passed every team they faced over the weekend.
Tournament organizers congratulated our team after the tournament. They were very impressed with the boys and how hard they competed and how competitive the boys were in all games! Many people over the course of the weekend had a question for me, "where is South Huron?", When I explained "Exeter", they still had no idea!
All coaches, families and fans are very proud of the past weekend's showing and accomplishments. Keep up the good work boys!!
The South Huron Sabres Novice Rep. Boys will continue to practice hard, continue in Shamrock League play and prepare themselves for the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs "AAA" Backspin Tournament December 1st through 3rd. And for the 39th Annual Parkhill Silverstick "A/BB" Tournament December 27th through 30th,
Go Sabres Go!!!
Submitted by Derrick Leenders, Coach.