Nov 29, 2016 | Mike Knechtel | 682 views
Motown Cup Finalists
This past week-end the Perth Auto Dismantlers Major Atoms travelled to Detroit to compete in the Motown Cup. The team played their first game at the historic Joe Louis Arena and skated away with a 2-0 victory over the Applewood Coyotes. Mark Pyzowski opened the scoring, assisted by Jackson Grasby. Gabe Emms scored Stratford's second goal with assists to Grasby and Ethan Plotnik. Goalies Jesse Merkel and Koen Gerber shared the shut out in net.
In game two, the team faced a strong Kensington Valley Renegades and suffered an unfortunate 9-1 loss. Ryan Haines scored the lone goal with assists going to Nathan Gibb and Kaleb Martin.
By game three the boys found their stride and played with determination. It paid off as they defeated the Michigan Ice Hawks 7-1. Gibb and Isaac Nickel led the way with two goals apiece. Haines, Pyzowski, and Sam Pepper notched singles. Pyzowski and Grasby each had two helpers while Marek Carter, Nathaniel Smith, Plotnik, Emms, and Haines each had one assist. Jesse Merkel was outstanding in net denying Michigan's offense.
In a must win game 4, the team came out hard and never looked back as they defeated the Petrolia Oilers 6-2. Emms and Pyzowski led the scoring with two goals each, while Nickel and Quinn Appel each had singles. Assisting on the goals were Beckham McLeod, Pepper, Brett Knechtel, Colten Kuepfer, Martin, Plotnik, Nickel and Gibb. Goalie Koen Gerber made several key saves between the pipes.
The team's hard work earned them a spot in the finals where they once again faced off against a very strong Kensington Valley Renegades. Despite their efforts, the boys were not able to overcome the strong play of their opponents. They should be very proud of themselves for bringing home the silver medal.