The Holloway Automotive Minor Atoms reached the semi-finals of the "AA" Silverstick qualifier tournament at home over the Christmas break. They finished pool play with a 2-1 record and crossed over to face a powerful and undefeated Centre-Wellington team in the semis. Despite the boys "never-say-die" attitude they eventually fell 5-4 in a thrilling finish.
Pool play began on Dec.27th with a game against London Mustangs White. The Warriors got on the board first with a goal from Martin, assisted by Bauld. However, the Mustangs scored the next 3 goals to take a commanding 3-1 lead into the 3rd period. But the Warriors refused to quit and with just 1:34 left in the game DeBoeck scored the GWG for Stratford. Brenzil also had 2 goals in the period and added an assist. Other assists went to Holloway, White-Roy, and Hish. A well deserved 4-3 triumph for the good-guys and a great 3rd period in net for Walters to hold off the Mustangs.
Next up was eventual tourney champion Halton-Hills. Special teams were a huge part of this game as Halton had 2-PP goals and 1-shorty to prevail 3-2. The Warriors also had two-1 goal leads but were unable to hold on. Scoring for Stratty were DeBoeck and Cassone with assists to Mikel and "Bam-Bam" Parsons.
The final pool game was against Niagara Falls where the outcome was a 2-1 win for the Warriors. Bridgey and Cassone scored with helpers to Hish, Davis and Holloway. The boys held a big edge in shots and territorial play while the Warrior D was strong in limiting Niagara Falls with very few chances. Kibedi and White-Roy used their size effectively along the boards and Flanny and Bauld retrieved pucks quickly and made sharp outlet passes.
The 2-1 Pool record reserved the Warriors a date with Centre-Wellington in the semis. Brenzil opened the scoring from Davis but that goal was answered by 2 quick goals by CW. After a scoreless second period that was highlighted by some huge saves by Bowlsey the flood gates opened in the 3rd with both teams trading multiple goals. Cassone tied the game early in the final stanza before CW scored 3 goals to take a commanding 5-2 lead, with just 2 minutes remaining. The Warriors were not done though as Hish scored twice in 45 seconds to pull the Warriors within 1 goal with 1:12 remaining. After another Bowlsey point-blank save, the Warriors got possession in the CW end with the goalie out and had several glorious changes to tie the game. In the end though Centre-Wellington hung on for the 5-4 victory.
The Warriors finished 2017 with an impressive 26-13-7 record highlighted by a tournament win at the Stratford Earlybird and a finalist showing at the Barrie tournament.