U10A North Durham Warriors Capture Lakeshore Championship
Moving on the Provincial Red Hats
By North Durham Warriors Correspondent, Clapbomb Bardownski
Follow @NDWarriorsU10A on Instagram for videos and updates on the road to the #RedHats.
They'll never compete with Clarington they said. Good luck shutting down Northhumberland they said. No chance you make it through the first round of playoffs they said. You'll never sweep Quinte they said. Impossible to win against #1 Whitby they said. They're. Just. A. Bunch. Of. House-leaguers. They. Said.
But look at 'em now!! They're off to the OMHA #RedHats where they'll compete for gold!
House Leaguers. Shmouse Shleaguers.
U10A North Durham Warriors Capture Lakeshore Championship
Moving on the Provincial Red Hats
By North Durham Warriors Correspondent, Clapbomb Bardownski
Follow @NDWarriorsU10A on Instagram for videos and updates on the road to the #RedHats.
They'll never compete with Clarington they said. Good luck shutting down Northhumberland they said. No chance you make it through the first round of playoffs they said. You'll never sweep Quinte they said. Impossible to win against #1 Whitby they said. They're. Just. A. Bunch. Of. House-leaguers. They. Said.
But look at 'em now!! They're off to the OMHA #RedHats where they'll compete for gold!
House Leaguers. Shmouse Shleaguers.
What Just Happened?
We WON THE ENTIRE LAKESHORE HOCKEY LEAGUE. The Warriors wrapped up an impressive 3 weeks of playoff hockey that consisted of 2 rounds of playoffs between Lakeshore Loop teams from Ajax-Pickering, Clarington, Kingston, Northumberland, Peterborough, Quinte and Whitby.Over that stretch, the boys posted a 7-2-0 record and lit up the scoredboard like a Christmas Tree. 46 Goals For and just 24 Goals Against (thanks very much for the stellar goaltending and big saves in big moments, Max Shelswell and Willem Adamkowski.)
The team peaked at the exact right moment with the last month showcasing excellent puck movement, team play, a great forecheck, a relentless backcheck, and an overwhelming wave of offensive fire power game in and game out.
But it was when the boys decided to rip their hearts out of their chests and play for one another, commit to the team and deliver the most grit, determination, and a never-give-up-attitude that we've seen all year that made the difference. These boys have started to believe in themselves and in one another which has let them play with confidence and the ability to simply go out there and made it happen. No. Big. Deal.
The play of the defence corps grew 10-fold this year, and their play made a tremendous difference throughout the playoff series. Keeping the opposition to the outside, making exceptional break-out, and break-away passes, and protecting the house have seemed to become a matter of routine for these giants of the blue line.
Up front, all lines were firing by the time playoffs rolled around, and each player made significant contributions. When at our best, the opposition skaters were pinned down in their own end as wave after wave of pressure came at them with each line change.
And again with the goalies: these two kids have contributed to a hugely successful year and allowed everyone in front of them to play with confidence, poise, and pizazz.
The development of all players, across all positions, and all lines & combinations has been truly remarkable to witness, for this reporter. They've come so far in such a small amount of time.
As they crushed their celebratory Root Beers after the Championship Game, it was clear that this is a special and unique group of kids who have had an unbelievable season of hockey (so far!). A pleasure to be around.
ICYMI
This team of exceptional athletes are all experiencing their very first season of OMHA rep hockey and have managed to advance to the highest level of competition in the Red Hats tournament in Whitby. This is a HUGE deal and an accomplishment that many hockey players never reach during their entire playing career.
What's Next?
Come ring the gong with us on March 29th at 10:15am and 5:45pm at the McKinney Center and on March 30 at 1:15pm at the Iroquois Park Sports Center while we compete to become the U10A OMHA Provincial Champion. Not even Easter Dinner should stop you from joining in the fun! Haha Just kidding. (But seriously, you should come. It's only Easter.). Tournament info here.
Loose Pucks
It was a gong-show in Whitby with friends, family, and fans from all corners of North Durham making the bus trip to South Whitby to cheer and encourage the team. Thank you to everyone for making a huge difference and neutralizing the benefits of home ice advantage. ** No fines for air horn usage were levied ** Announced attendance during the championship game in Whitby was 487. 460 of which were cheering for North Durham ** A Kyley Swain natural hat trick induced not 1 but 2 hats being thrown onto the ice, including a sweet ND bucket that was thrown by a school teacher of 5 of the boys Mme Des Rosiers; a great gesture by a great teacher ** Let's go Warriors!!
Follow @NDWarriorsU10A on Instagram for videos and updates on the road to the #RedHats.