We Did IT, News, Novice White, U9, 2012-2013 (Mt Brydges Minor Hockey)

This Team is part of the 2012-2013 season, which is not set as the current season.
News Article
News Article Image
Mar 23, 2013 | Jamie Bond | 1534 views
We Did IT
The mighty, awesome, terrific, incredible Novice Cougars White, set out this year to have an incredible year.

Well, our year came to an end tonight, and I believe saying that we had a truly incredible year, is an understatement.

We had  5 second year players. FIVE.
We had 3 kids that had never played hockey before......two of which had never even skated before.
We had a goalie who didn't play last year....but decided to just up and play goal this year.

This wasn't a recipe for the best team to ever play Novice hockey, but boy, did we show em how get it done.

Our mighty Novice White team suited up for game 4 tonight of the championship final against the very pesky Lambton Shores Predators.  I was nervous cause Friday nights are not kind to kids who have spent all week playing and learning their hearts out.  But, as it turned out, I had no reason to worry.

They all showed up with fire in their eyes.  They were wired.  When I witnessed the whole team doing a very awkward dance to Gangnam Style, led by Big Bird (Trent Altiman), I knew they were good to go and that I had no reason to worry.

It didn't look good early as the Preds jumped out to an early lead at 4:57 of the first on a pretty goal by their star player #8 Heyden Van Gorp. Then a penalty by our number one goon, Grant Walden, really got me worried as the Preds kept swooning and threatening to score.   But, we killed it off and with 1:29 remaining in the first, our money in the bank, Cooper Alcock scored on a beauty rush all the way down the ice, which was assisted by Ethan Bond and Spencer Whitney.  That seemed to get them fired up as Trent Altiman scored on a blast from the point, again assisted by Ethan Bond.  Then Mr. Reliable, Nathan March, only 12 seconds later scored on a beauty pass from Matty McGuire.  Why was I worrying??? 

We were able to stay out in front midway into the second, due to some great defence by Reece White-Eye, Alex Whitney, Katie Lunnie, Trent Altiman, Katie Amos, and Wesley Relou.  They were like the Berlin Wall.  Nothing got by them.  And to make their job easier, they were able to get some great back checking from our pesky wingers Carson VanDerweg, Josh Hurd, Grant Walden, Spencer Whitney, Matty McGuire, and Ethan Bond, as well as from our awesome centres, Gavin McGahey-Smith, Nathan March, and Cooper Alcock.  And while all this fantastic back-checking was going on, Matty was able to pott the fourth marker of the match on passes from Nater and Grant.

I didn't get the memo, but I found out later that there was going to be a goalie clinic going on during our game tonight.  And, it was going to be put on by our own awesome tender, Cameron Jones.  Save after save kept us in the game.  One in particular, and I know we are all going to remember this one for a long time, had Cammer snaring a puck with his lightening quick glove out of the air and flashing it high for everyone to see.  It was incredible.  And right after that, Cooper received a pass from Nater and skated down the ice for our 5th goal and pretty much the straw that broke the camels back.  After that, we were able to hang on and claim the championship plaque.  The kids were incredible all playoffs long and we didn't even lose one game.  Not one.  And the way they just had fun and hung out with each other on and off the ice, made me remember why I love coaching so much.

One special award tonight goes to Josh Hurd who made Coach Tim choke numerous times with his extracuricular gassing activities.  I have actually never seen anybody so proud of himself.  And actually, I have never seen anyone so green as Coach Tim.

Just want to say a special thanks to the kids who made my job very easy tonight. When you show up ready to play like that, I just have to sit back and watch.  Also, to the coaches, Tim McGuire, Greg Alcock, and Jay March.... the kids really looked up to you guys and we couldn't have been so successful this year with out you.  And I can't forget Tim Walden, our awesome parent rep who made it extremely easy for me this year.  Oh yeah, and the parents.......you brought the kids every night and for that alone, you deserve a medal.  Thanks for all of your support.

One more note.  The coaches of the other teams we played in the playoffs, our local league representatives, and the whole local league organization deserve a special KUDOS.  This league has come a long way since I was a kid and the way they make this a fun and developmental league is second to none.  The kids had a blast and I can tell from the roar from the stands, that the fans did too.  And a special Congrats to Novice Gold who also won their championship tonight.   NICE JOB!!!!

CONGRATS NOVICE COUGARS WHITE.  WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!
Other News