Game #1 vs Peterborough Pete's Novice "AAA" - The Sabres were fired up for this one! The boys led the game from start to finish leading 3-0 after the first period, then added (7) second period goals on route to a 12 - 4 win. The game featured many great passes and strong efforts from the entire team which was highlighted by the strong play of the defense keeping the puck out of our end and moving the puck up ice. Game MVP - Cullen "T-Bone" Kerslake.
Game #2 vs Southern Tier Admirals (Welland) "AAA" - Again, the boys started strong with the Sabres scoring (4) first period goals and led the game from start to finish cruising to a 6-1 victory. It was a complete team victory, forwards were strong all game pressuring in the Admirals end. Game MVP - Jack Taylor.
Game #3 vs Seaway Valley Rapids (Cornwall) "A" - The Sabres found themselves down 1-0 early in this one, but tied it up late in the first period 1-1 going into the second period. The boys got rolling in the second period with (4) goals to lead 5-2 after two periods of play and went on to a 8-4 win. The Rapids had some strong skaters that kept the defence working hard all game long and featured great back checking from the forwards. Game MVP - Kane Barch.
Game #4 vs Niagara North Stars "AAA" - The North Stars came out of the gates hard and led this game early 2-0 and 2-1 after one period of play, the Sabres managed to even the game up with (3) second period goals at 4-4 going into the third, The third period was a back and forth battle, but the Sabres were able to pull away with another (3) goals in the third period to take this game 7-5 at the final buzzer. Logan Morley was strong again in net with some huge timely saves! Game MVP - Logan Morley.
After the end of the Pool B round robin the Sabres finished in first place, and had to prepare for the hometown Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs in the semi finals.
Game #5 (Semi-Finals) vs Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs "AAA" - The hometown Bulldogs started strong in this one with a early first period goal. The hometown team could not stop the Sabres from digging in on this one, the defense and goaltender Morley shut the door the remainder of the way while the Sabres offence turned it up on route to a 7-2 victory. This was a complete team effort that had scoring from (6) different players and the boys tallied (12) assists on the (7) Sabre goals.
The Sabres were heading to the finals vs The Duffield Devils.
Game #6 (Gold Medal Game) vs Duffield Devils (NYHL) "AAA" - The Toronto team came out hard! The Devils opened the scoring and led 2-1 after the first period of play. Both teams came out flying in the second period and exchanged (3) second period goals. The boys had the game tied at 4-4 midway through the second period before Duffield took the lead late in the second and held on for a 5-4 win. The Sabres had numerous scoring chances late in the second and third period but were unable to manage the tying goal. Final MVP - Hudson Leenders
Although, the boys were very disappointed that they were unable to take home the gold medal, they should be very proud of themselves and for the accomplishments they made at this tournament at a very high level of play. All games were played as a team 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 on the point against these really strong teams. Goaltender - Logan Morley was great in net all weekend long!
A few fun facts from the games played over the weekend;
- Outscored the teams 44 to 21 = + 23
- Second least amount of goals against, in the round robin pool play.
- Most goals for, in the round robin pool play.
Tournament organizers were very complimentary of the boys on how well they played!! 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 39th Annual Parkhill Silverstick "A/BB" Tournament December 27th - 30th.
Go Sabres Go!!!