The Cherrey Bus Lines Minor Bantam Warriors won the Alliance Bristol Championship this past weekend winning the series 8 points to 6 over The Sarnia Sting.
The last three games went into overtime with two resulting in ties and the final game being decided on Nathan Hall's OT winner to clinch victory over a tenacious Sarnia squad.
The dramatic week started off with a 2-2 result in game #5 as Sarnia scored late in the game to tie. Dalton Smith had 1 goal and 1 assist to lead the Warriors while Clayton Lewis added a single goal. Ewen Flanagan and Hall each added 1 assist. Baily Paquette had a strong game in goal.
Game #6 had Stratford return the favor as they scored late to salvage a 3-3 tie. Smith again led the scoring with 2 goals and 1 assist while Hall added 1 goal and 1 assist and Lewis adding two assists. Jacob McPherson and Hunter James each added an assist. Jacob Ford again provided the Warriors with excellent goaltending.
Game #7 was a continuation of a hard fought series that again went down to the wire as Hall scored in the second minute of OT before being mobbed by his teammates. Smith continued his strong play in the series with the other Stratford goal and an assist on Hall's OT marker. Paquette was terrific in goal for Stratford turning aside many Sting chances to give the Warriors an opportunity to win it.
Hats off to the Sting who came to play this entire series and forced the Warriors to battle every shift - every shot.
The Warriors finished the season with a record of 36-20-10.
As another hockey season has ended, I think I can speak for everyone in thanking Reuben, Jacob, Jared and Evan for taking on the team and putting the time and effort into coaching these boys. As non parent coaches it is a large commitment that was appreciated by all. Although Courtyard by Marriott may disagree, your youthful enthusiasm was a big plus for the boys on and off the ice and our parent group!
Also thanks must go to manager Laurie Cossey for all her efforts in planning, organizing, emailing etc... sometime a thankless job but one which definitely has not gone unnoticed.
Special Thanks to the Fords and the Queens Hotel for hosting and providing the food and drinks for the victory celebration.
See you at the rink.