Atom AE - Atom AE Silverstick Semi Finalists
The Roy’s Coffee Shop Atom AE Jr. Rockets were semi-finalists in the Silverstick Regional Qualifier tournament held over December 2–4 weekend in South Huron. The Rockets started the tournament early Friday morning with their first win over Ayr Flames 3–1.
Riley McFee picked up two goals, a single for Ben Diamond, with assists by Zac Zavitz, Owen Parker, Lucas Mann, Ben Bankes and Clayton Vanderwal. Friday afternoon, the Rockets took on Tillsonburg Tornadoes for game number two. In the first period, Rockets were first to hit the scoreboard; however Tillsonburg tied the game with 41 seconds left in the first period. The Rockets came on strong throughout the second period leading 6–1. Continuing to dominate the game with strong defense by Cole Bondy, Jeffrey Dunn, Wesley Griffiths, Clayton Vanderwal and goaltending by Hayden Richardson, the Rockets won 11-1. Adding to the scoreboard was Diamond for three, a deuce for Colby Ackworth and Clayre Rody, singles for Joel Candy, Bondy, Vanderwal and McFee. With two wins under their belt, the Rockets were up next against Petrolia Oilers early Saturday morning. The Oilers were quick to score within the start of the first period and led 1-0. After a scoreless second period, the Rockets had their work cut out for them. Into the third period, the Oilers now lead 3-0. The Rockets never gave up and continued to work hard to get on the scoreboard. It was a hard fought game with both teams putting on a strong defense and goaltending. With less than two minutes in the game, the Rockets played with an empty net and were finally able to beat the Oiler’s goalie with two quick goals by Diamond and Banks. Enthusiasm and confidence built within the team and fans as Richardson went back in net. With 6 seconds left on the clock, Mann passed the puck to the tape of Owen Parker’s stick which ended with a 3-3 tied game. With two wins and a tie this put the Oilers out and the Rockets moved on to the eliminations that afternoon. With a short rest, the Rockets were up against West Lorne Comets. The Rockets were quick to get on the scoreboard with a 2-0 lead after the first period. The Rockets continued to dominate the game with a 9-0 win. A hat trick for McFee, Candy for four, and singles for Diamond and Zavitz. This win placed the Rockets into the semi-finals against St. Mary’s Rock. After the first period, the Rockets were down 2-0. With an assist by Griffiths, Rody drove one into the net and the Rockets were on the scoreboard. With continued team determination, Rody was able to get another one past the Rock’s goalie, assisted by Ackworth and Dunn. Unfortunately, the Rockets lost 5-2 which eliminated them from heading to the finals. Congratulations to all team members for all their hard work!!
