The Historic John Henry, News, Novice Blue, U9, 2013-2014 (Mt Brydges Minor Hockey)

This Team is part of the 2013-2014 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Dec 29, 2013 | Jamie Bond | 749 views
The Historic John Henry
Hello Hockey Fans,

I have played and coached in the John Henry Memorial Tournament in Strathroy for many years now, dating back to 1981.  Yes I am that old.  To say I was excited for the mighty Novice Blue squad to play in this historic event is an understatement.

The schedule was pretty kind to us this year as our first game on the 27th was 3:30pm against Ilderton Blue.  We played this team our third game of the year and lost 6-2, so I was a bit nervous playing them in the tourney.  However, our team came out flying and each player worked hard and hustled in a 6-0 win.  Incredible stuff.  On the scoresheet we had Gavin with 4 goals and Ethan with 2.  Matty got the hard earned shutout.  For the Cougar of the game, it was a tough decision as they all deserved it, but Gavin got the nod for his stellar defensive play and his 4 goal outburst.

Our second game was on the 28th at 9:30am agains Strathroy Red.  They are tough opponent and I knew we would be in tough.  But I thought we had a good chance against them.  However, the ice was definitely tilted the other way on us and the bounces went against us the whole game.  Our Cougars battled hard but to no avail and came out on the short end of 6-0 score.  Tough one.  Our Cougar of the game went to Jack Harding who battled hard all game and was a buzz saw at both ends with his back checking and break aways.

Our third game was a must win against the top place Strathroy Black.  We really came out flying with 2 quick goals from EThan (Assisted by Robert and Spencer), but before the period ended, they scored a goal, and then another one quickly in the second to tie it.  It was a pretty chippy affair, but the refs did a good job calling penalties.  At the end of 2 it was 3-2 for the other guys but we kept on plugging away.  With 1:17 left and the goalie pulled, Gavin popped one in to tie it up 3-3.  Wow what a game.  So that meant we went to overtime and only 24 seconds in they slipped one in and won the game.  It was a tough outcome especially since our kids played so hard and well.  Our Cougar of the game went to Ethan who worked hard the whole entire game and never gave up. He even has a few bumps and bruises to prove it.  As does Grant after that fantastic collision near the end of the game.  The other player told Ethan after the hit....."I could have been killed".  Funny stuff.

I would just like to say how proud I am of all of the kids this weekend.  This is a very tough tournament, and each and every player showed me something........whether it be great positioning, hustle, heart, or a great play here and there.......they contributed in a great way and that is all we can ask.  CONGRATULATIONS COUGARS.!!!!!