The Stratford Scotiabank Major Peewee Warriors played their best hockey of the year and earned a berth to the final game of the Bell Capital Cup at the Canadian Tire Arena (home rink of the Ottawa Senators). Stratford played each game with intensity, determination
and worked as a cohesive team unit.
The Warriors opened the tournament with a 4-2 win over the Mississippi Thunder. Mark Pyzowski had a hat trick with Cole Humphrey scoring a single. Kaleb Martin, Marek Carter, Cole Wilson, Brett Knechtel and Nathan Gibb added helpers. In the second game of the tournament, the Warriors fell short to the West Carleton Crusaders, 7-1. Carter Otto scored Stratford's lone goal with assists from Quinn Appel and Jackson Campbell. The Warriors collected themselves in game 3, and beat the Gloucester Orleans Blues 3-1. Goalie Jesse Merkel made a key save in the dying minutes of the game to preserve the win for Stratford. Scoring for the Warriors were Campbell, Humphrey and Pyzowski. Otto, Appel, Beckham McLeod, Gabe Emms, Colten Kuepfer and Owen Gaylor had assists. Stratford continued their winning ways in Game 4 with a 1-0 win against the previously undefeated Ottawa Golden Knights. Gabe Emms scored for the Warriors. Jack Driscoll had a strong game in goal and earned the shut out.
In the semi final game, Stratford once again defeated the Ottawa Golden Knights by a score of 2-0. Pyzowski and Appel scored for the Warriors. Nate Frampst, Appel and Otto had assists. Jesse Merkel had the shut out.
The tournament final saw the fired up Warriors facing off against St.Clair Shore Saints at the Canadian Tire arena. Fans not able to make the game in person, were lucky to catch a live stream of the game at home. Despite a strong effort, the Warriors fell short to the Saints 3-0.
All of the Warrior players should be congratulated on their play and sportsmanship throughout the weekend.