RECAP OF THE FUN SO FAR, News, Novice Black, 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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Feb 16, 2014 | Brad Hipple | 982 views
RECAP OF THE FUN SO FAR
It all started with a ‘Welcome to Novice Black’ email on September 19, 2013, followed by our first practice on September 21.  The Novice Black team has had a fantastic season and the fun is still NOT over yet.  Here is a recap of the amazing season we have had so far … 

The team decided to get together off the ice and get to know each.  Everyone met at Kusterman Farms to swing on the zip line, launch water balloons and explore the huge corn maze.  It was clear right from the start that the kids and parents were going to have a great season together!

Early in the season, the kids got a wonderful surprise from the Viana family.  Novice Black had special practice jerseys with their names and numbers on the back. They were donated by the Viana Family Dental Centre.  Thanks again to Paulo, Maureen and Braedan for your generosity!

The Budweiser Gardens was the next big thing for the team to experience together.  The kids skated out onto the ice with smiles on their faces.  It was fun to be able to play a game of hockey against the Novice White team, on the same ice that our very own London Knights play on.  After our game, the kids got a very special dressing room tour.  After that, our very own Braeden Jones represented the Black Team as flag bearer before the London Knights game.  Awesome Job!

Our first tournament was in West Lorne.  The kids had a blast!  The team took part in their first shoot out in the first game, Jill Ireland got a hat trick in the final game and we ended the tourney as B division champs! Go Cougars! 

Next event was an evening with the Mt. Brydges Bulldogs.   This time we played the Novice Red in an exhibition game.  Wesley Relou skated hard this game.  After, it was into the dressing room for pizza before the Bulldog dressing room tour.  While all this was going on, some of the Moms were selling all the yummy bake goods our treat made.  Liam Georgeson and Ava Persin did us proud that night representing the team as flag bearers for the Bulldogs game.

It wouldn’t have been a full season unless the Black Team went to cheer on Strathroy Jr. B Rocket – Drew Martin.  That was a snowy evening filled with a teddy bear toss, dressing room tour and the Rockets taking the win!  This time it was James Hipple and Luke Decker who took to the ice before the Rockets game and proudly represented the Black Team as flag bearers.  Thank-you to Drew Martin for attending our practices when you could, to help out the kids and have fun!

Our next tournament was the John Henry.  This tournament was filled with fast paced hockey games, an OT winning goal that got us into the finals and the team winning a SILVER medal.  This is the tournament that I loved to see Samara George digging hard in the corners against those Ilderton boys. 

January brought yet another tournament, this time in Bothwell.  This was an action packed tournament with lots of fun! James H and our mighty Will Stewart did a fantastic job in the shoot out competition.  Luke, Liam, Jill and the always smiling, crazy legs Ashton Boorman rocked the obstacle course relay.  Our all-star goalie, Ava won a special John Horvat Memorial Optimist Tournament – All Around Best Player Award. Oh ya, and let’s not forget, Novice Black brought home the GOLD!!

Next stop, Detroit Michigan for our first away tournament!  For this tournament we have to highlight Owen Babenko.  He did an amazing job getting the puck in the net and back checking.  The kids loved this tournament not only because of the hockey but the swimming, mini sticks, tag in the hallways and the pizza party.   The parents and coaches had the best time as well.  The final game in this tournament had the Motor City seeing double with great skating from the twins – Sam & Will Stewart.  Taylor Jones also had all her hard work pay off with her first goal of the season in this game.  Liam Peters might be small but he came out fighting hard in all the games during this tournament. 

The Novice Black team took everything they learned from our OUTSTANDING coaching staff during our practices and applied it to ALL our hockey games.  It was skill, determination and team work that got this team into the A division series of the playoffs.  Unfortunately, we did not win our series but as we look back at all the fun we have had so far … the kids should be very happy and extremely proud of themselves!  Remember the season is NOT over and there is still more hockey and fun to be had!!!

A special thanks to our outstanding coaching staff – Coach Brad, Coach Ryan and Coach Sean. 

Thanks to Luke for bringing in the cookies for the kids to enjoy after todays game.  The GingerBread Bakery in Kilworth did a great job!

From: The Team Reporter