Dec 29, 2017 | bhallock | 566 views
Wayne Gretzky International Hockey Tournament
The Dunny's Source for Sports Major Atom MD Team participated in the 48th Annual Wayne Gretzky International Hockey Tournament from Wednesday, December 27th - Friday, December 29th in Brantford.
POOL PLAY
Caledonia Thunder vs. Jr. Warriors :
The boys had an early morning game to start their tournament pool play against the Caledonia Thunder. With heavy feet and slow strides the boys struggled at getting momentum to fuel up against their opponent. They were able to gain the upper edge when a tripping penalty was called late in the first against the Thunder. The power play line utilized all members to create an opportunity, Owen Chadwick made a quick pass to Liam Ollson, who attempted a wrap around that bounced off the goalies pad that Logan Hallock was able to snag and net the first goal of the game. The second period Hallock tipped a pass back to defensemen Adam Jeffrey who fired a shot from the blue line that flew over the goalies shoulder to give the Warriors a 2-0 lead. The third period the boys gave up two goals to the Thunder. Goaltender Lachlan Stanley kept the boys in the game making numerous key saves that held the Thunder from stealing a point to give them a W. With Stanley's consistent play and ability to hold the Thunder to two goals, he was awarded Player of the Game !
Guelph Gryphons vs. Jr. Warriors:
The boys came out eager and ready to battle against the Gryphons and were off to a quick start with Hallock netting the first goal assisted by line-mate Rowan Smith. A couple minutes later Gryphons were called on a tripping penalty. Liam Ollson and Hallock executed a tic-tac-toe play on the PP with Ollson netting the second goal of the game. Gryphons were able to net a goal early in the second. Rowan Smith's aggressive play and determination behind the net, set up the Warriors third goal by Hallock ending the second period. During the third period, Chadwick netted the final goal for the Warriors with assists credited to Smith and Hallock, finishing the game with a 4-2 victory. Defencemen, Luke Jackson played a solid game along the blue line, protecting his keeper and keeping the Gryphons out of the area in blue. Net minder, Devon Loerzel played a solid game with quick glove saves and minimal rebounds limiting the Gryphons offensive chances. Leading the team with 4 points, Hallock was awarded Player of the Game !
Woolwich Wildcats vs. Jr. Warriors:
Unaware of their opponent, the boys came out playing a structural game with quick puck movement and aggressive board work. Ollson hit the back of the net in the first period on a PP, assisted by Hallock and Ellis Schnurr. Hallock netted the second goal assisted by Jeffrey. Line mates Mathew Benner, Tyson Cassone and Ryan Wilker played a gritty game that gave them multiple offensive chances, which resulted in 2 goals for the Jr. Warriors. Wilker netting one in the second period, assisted by Benner and Cassone. Cassone with a wrap around in the third, assisted by Benner. Putting the nail in the coffin for the 5-1 win was Sammy Binns with a backhanded shot late in the third. Using his strength and body at every opportunity he was a force to be reckon with, Jeffrey was awarded Player of the Game !
QUARTER-FINALS - Wayne Divison:
Peterborough Pete's vs. Jr. Warriors:
The puck dropped at 3:15P.M and the battle was on! Shortly into the first the boys realized the cards were stacked against them and it was going to be an upwards battle to skate away with a W. The Petes received a late Christmas gift and were on the board first with a controversial goal. Despite their frustration and disappointment, the boys plowed threw. Penalties started piling up against us, but it didn't slow down defencemen, Liam Eddelston and Jordan Keane who put their frustration into focus and shier determination on the blue line and attacked every puck. The boys caught a 30sec break when Benner hit the ice in the third and made a beautiful shot that hit the top corner, that was an indisputable goal for the Warriors, assisted by Jackson and Keane. Despite the Pete's size, Zach Scrimgeour and Spencer Murphy played an offensive gritty game that challenged the Pete's. Although, the Warriors fell to the Pete's by a short handed break away, the Jr. Warriors out played them and played respectfully the entire 32min regardless of disputable calls. With his fantastic shot and lone goal of the game Benner was awarded Player of the Game !
Next up:
Exhibition Game : Thursday, January 4th vs. Ilderton at 6:00P.M in Ilderton.
League Game : Saturday, January 6th vs. Oakridge at 3:30P.M in London.