The AJ Jackson Construction Minor Atom MD Warriors competed in
the Dan Pulham Memorial Tournament in London over the weekend.
In their first game
of the tournament Stratford held the lead
for the first two periods, but couldn't hold on in a 3-2 loss against the
Brampton Bears. Liam Hill notched both goals for the Warriors, while line mate
Ethan Dam earned an assist on each goal.
Stratford’s second game of the day Friday saw the Warriors outplay the Unionville Jets, but fall by a score of 2-0. Stratford’s
offensive power saw breakaways, posts, and a crossbar, but ultimately couldn't buy a goal against the Jets netminder.
Stratford’s final and most thrilling game of the tournament occurred Saturday against the Guelph Jr. Gryphons. Liam Hill knotted
the score at one for Stratford. Trailing 2-1 in the third, Aiden Benton made a backhand pass onto the tape of Tyson Talsma who was
waiting in the slot and quickly put the puck past Guelph’s netminder. This goal was followed up by strong offensive pressure by the Warriors, and a number of scoring opportunities; however, the game finished in a 3-2 loss.
Stratford played a collaborative and competitive tournament that saw excellent passing, aggressive play, offensive pressure, solid
defence, and battling to the end each game. Strong two-way hockey kept opposing teams' goals at a minimum, combined with the
efforts of goaltender Cameron Ground in all three games.