The Stratford Major Midget Warriors, sponsored by the
Stratford Jr. B Warrior Hockey Club, captured the Alliance Bristol ‘A’
Championship on March 31 in front of a packed crowd at the Dufferin Arena. The
Warriors commitment to team concepts resulted in a 6-1 win over Sarnia and
series victory. The team advances to the Ontario Hockey Federation
Championships in Elmira from April 12-14. More......
Prior to the finals, the Warriors faced a strong Waterloo club that was heavy with AAA players who opted to play AA hockey and high school hockey in their final year of Midget. Waterloo won the Constellation title and would be considered a front-runner at their Ontario Hockey Federation Championships. They swept the Warriors, who then faced Woodstock.
After a lackluster effort in a 5-1 loss in the opener against Woodstock, the Warriors responded to win the next three handily while outscoring their opponent 13-3. Those games saw the boys commit to a full game effort while playing more disciplined.
The finals against Sarnia saw another uninspired opening series effort in a 5-1 road loss. The home teams won the first four games, leaving the series at four points apiece. Game 5 saw the Warriors desire and discipline allow for a decisive 6-2 road victory. Dedication to team systems and undisciplined play by Sarnia lead to the dominant edge in play, setting the stage for a chance to seal the Championship on home ice. Once again, the Warriors commitment to team tactics and discipline lead to a convincing 6-2 win. They outscored Sarnia 18-5 in the final three games. These games demonstrated that the players recognized each of their roles, that the power of positivity has its’ merits and that team is more important than self.