Excellence in Embro, News, Atom Gold, U11, 2015-2016 (Mt Brydges Minor Hockey)

This Team is part of the 2015-2016 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Nov 30, 2015 | Jamie Bond | 1287 views
Excellence in Embro
Congratulations to the Atom Gold team for a spectacular effort in Embro this past weekend which earned them the gold medal.  It's not easy going into a tournament against all unknown opponents, but these little hooligans rose to the occasion and let nothing get in their way.

It started against Aylmer who have only lost a game or two all year.  As per the norm with our team we went down early but battled back to tie it 2-2 on two goals by Grant Walden and go into a shootout.  All shooters from both sides were stopped until the very last shooter, Spencer Andrew, who went down and deked out the goalie to net the winner.  That goal earned Spencer the MVP.

In our second game we played Barrie.  They were a tough little scrappy team still learning parts of the game, but we able to dominate in all areas of the ice and came out ahead 6-0.  A strong two way performance from Carson Vanderweg earned him player of the game.   Special mention goes to Joseph Mandiman who earned another shutout and played fantastic all day long.  Keeps us in it that's for sure.

In the final against Harrow, we came out super flat.  Harrow scored early and we had trouble getting our legs going.  But I could see we were working hard......it just wasn't going our way......yet.  Harrow was easily the best team in the 1st but we were able to stay within one at 2-1 on a goal from Ethan Bond.  In the second period, Ethan scored another on a wrap around to tie it 2-2.  A little later on, Spencer Andrew scored the game winner on a shot from the blue line and we held on from there.  Our tenacious back checking and excellent puck movement were no match for Harrow in the end as we found our legs and were able to bring home the championship.  With the goallie pulled, Brady Dawson worked extremely hard keep Harrow in their end and scored an empty netter to seal the deal.  Ethan's two goals and strong two way play near the end of the game earned him player of the game.

Only a few are mentioned here, but really, every single player played amazing all weekend and could have easily earned player of the game honours in my mind.  Here are some of the things that they did well:
Estella White: Flew up and down her wing and was able to get the puck to her teammates on numerous occasions. Almost scored a goal too. It's coming, I can feel it.
Zander Wagler: Getting to be a brute at the net.  Does an awesome job of parking himself there and waiting for his chance. Great stick handling too.
Josh Newman: A leader on defence.  Working hard to stand his ground in front of our net and make sure no one gets to our awesome goalie.
Cameron Wanlin: Getting better in all areas, especially moving the puck to his teammates.  Nice job keeping the puck in the other teams end.
Frank Svelc: A wall on defence.  Coaches always catch themselves saying "get back", Frank ignores us, steps up and stifles their forwards coming out of their end.  When will we learn.
Nicholas Sheridan: This little speedster let no one by him all weekend.  He uses his speed to track everyone down and had a few great shots from the point.
Caleb McGowan: Working well on the wing with Ethan and was able to use his speed all day to create some great scoring chances.  Great on the back check as well.
Spencer Whitney: Our penalty minute leader never backs down from a challenge and is never afraid to mix it up in our end.  Great passing as well.
William Dimitropolous: Skated up and down his wing all weekend, back checked hard and did a great job getting the puck out of our end. Also has that offside thing nailed down.

One thing about our team is they never give up.  They play to their opponent and work as hard as they can to get the job done.  Good Job Cougars and keep up the good work!!!!
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