While the Newmarket Start-Up Early Bird Tournament presented its share
of challenges, the
North Durham U10A hockey team displayed
unwavering determination, grit, and sportsmanship throughout.
Their
journey was a testament to the highs and lows of youth hockey, where the
lessons learned on the ice often transcend the final score.
As the
season progresses, North Durham remains a team to watch,
brimming with
potential and a never-give-up attitude that will undoubtedly lead to
future successes.
Written by Clapbomb Bardownski, Team Correspondent
NEWMARKET - The North Durham U10A hockey team recently embarked on a thrilling journey at the Newmarket Start-Up Early Bird Tournament, a rollercoaster ride filled with moments of sheer excitement, formidable opponents, and unwavering determination.
As the tournament unfolded, the North Durham boys faced both triumphs and challenges, exemplifying the true spirit of youth hockey and the valuable life lessons that can be learned on the ice...and in the penalty box.
Game One: A Winning Start
The tournament kicked off on an exhilarating note as North Durham clashed with the host team, Newmarket. In a game that showcased their offensive prowess, North Durham secured a thrilling victory with a final score of 4-2. Goals were netted by William Low (2), Nathan Pleshe and Wyatt Laird. Low also flexed his playmaking abilities, assisting on the goals by Pleshe and Laird. In the dressing room after, he did an actual flex. Literally.
Low got things started with a beautiful shot from close range that blew past the Newmarket tender and sent his water bottle from atop the net flying. Pleshe's goal came from his sheer tenacity, banging in a rebound after going hard to the net. And Laird displayed persistence, knocking home a loose puck that was a rebound from his own first whack at it after Low made a great play to push the puck to the front of the net. Bennett McEvoy started the whole thing off at the far end of the rink with a long range tape-to-tape pass to Low. Grinding.
North Durham enjoyed the fleeting spoils of victory in a post game celebration that was attended by this reporter, and a handful of other local media.
For his puck moving and rushing ability on the point, James Griffith won the McDonald's Player of the Game, including all the rights and privileges that make this award so sought after ($5 gift card).
Game Two: A Tough Battle
In the second game of the tournament, North Durham faced a formidable Oakville team that displayed seamless teamwork and a powerful offensive presence.
After the game, this reporter unearthed the fact that the Oakville squad has been playing together at the "A" level since before they could skate at the age of 3. Their chemistry showed.
Despite a valiant effort, North Durham found themselves on the losing end of an 8-1 scoreline.
William Low ensured the team was not skunked on the scoreboard, notching North Durham's lonely only goal on a fast break that turned snipe. Bussin'.
Max Shelswell stood tall in the net, facing an incredible 75 shots on goal, showcasing unwavering determination and resilience and was named the McDonald's Player of the Game, including all the rights and privileges which bestow such an honour ($5 gift card).
Game Three: A Gritty Performance
The third game of the tournament pitted North Durham against New Hamburg, a match where the scoreboard didn't fully reflect the team's strong effort. Despite a 7-0 defeat, the game could have easily spiraled out of control if not for the remarkable goaltending of Willem Adamkowski.
New Hamburg snuck their fiesty forwards Federov, Markov, Mironov, Frolov, Kozlov, Gusarov, and Karpotsov into the neutral zone time and time again, which allowed them a steady flow of offensive opportunities. As a result, positional play will certainly be on the coaching staff's list of opportunities to improve in practice this week.
Willem's stellar performance between the pipes was a testament to his skill and determination to stay focused, take one shot at a time, give it his all. Well done, Willem.
Immediately after the post game media scrum Willem asked Max and James which day was best to meet up for a Happy Meal after Willem received the McDonald's Player of the Game in this one, including all the rights and privileges that comes along with ($5 gift card).
Semi-Final Showdown: Oakville Strikes Again
In the semi-final clash, North Durham once again faced the formidable youngsters from Oakville, who proved to be North Durham's Kryptonite. Is it just me? Or does the sun ALWAYS shine on Oakville?
While North Durham fought valiantly, it wasn't their day. Oakville delivered another strong performance, eliminating North Durham from the competition.
Omar Schurter managed to notch North Durham's lone goal in the face of defeat and played a stellar style of defense throughout the tournament. He was awarded the McDonald's Player of the Game Award as a result, including all the rights and privileges that are attached ($5 gift card).
Loose Pucks:
Kyley Swain, Cooper Andrews and Easton Carpentier stood out as some of the hardest working players and strong positional players of the weekend.
Our defense corp was under pressure throughout the tournament but made many adjustments to ensure they were protecting the house much more confidentially and consistently by the time Sunday rolled around.
Our wingers were moving the puck well as they worked to create some additional chances in the offensive zone and are learning the power of positional play and hard work. The future is bright.
Sunset Grill called. We've collected 3 jackets, 4 hats, 1 bathing suit, a deck of Uno cards, 1 North Durham lapel pin, a pair of tap shoes, and a snow shovel to pick up. As expected, all these things were left behind after a really fun team + family breakfast to wrap things up before the long bus ride home to North Durham.
The Bottom Line
While the Newmarket Start-Up Early Bird Tournament presented its share of challenges, the North Durham U10A hockey team displayed unwavering determination, grit, and sportsmanship throughout.
Their journey was a testament to the highs and lows of youth hockey, where the lessons learned on the ice often transcend the final score.
As the season progresses, North Durham remains a team to watch, brimming with potential and a never-give-up attitude that will undoubtedly lead to future successes. In all parts of life.
Come see the boys in action at the
Home Opener, this Saturday at 12:15pm, at the
barn in Uxbridge Uxbridge Community Center. Tell all your family and friends, and bring your cowbell. It will certainly be worth the prices of admission. Which is free.
See you at the rink!