Over the first week of the 2012 Holiday Season the Strathroy
Atom Rep Jr Rockets participated in the Atom ‘A’ Silver Stick Regional
Tournament in Alvinston. Due to the
fact that SDMHA was re-classified this year as a ‘BB’ center it meant playing
in the ‘A’ Division Silver Stick which provided the opportunity to play against
some unfamiliar, larger center sized teams of which we had not faced
previously. Should the Jr Rockets be up
for the challenge it was guaranteed to provide for an exciting week of
hockey. As the week unfolded the Jr
Rockets proved that they were well prepared & definitely up for the challenge…
Boxing Day kicked off with a 4-1 victory over Erie Northshore. It was apparent there were no boxing day specials or free rides to be had & that any success would be a direct result of dedication & hard work. Erie was a strong opponent who would later progress to the semi finals.
Strathroy enjoyed a couple “holidays” off before facing a Saturday doubleheader on the 29th. The first game would be against the London Bandits followed by an afternoon game vs the Oakridge Aero’s. The Jr Rockets were victorious in both winning 3-2 over the Bandits & 4-2 over the Aero’s. The Jr Rockets continued to prove to themselves that they were a worthy opponent and capable of competing with any team in this tournament. As always, our success was a direct reflection of our combined efforts centered upon teamwork…
Having gone 3-0 through the qualifying games Strathroy earned a spot in the semi final to face a familiar opponent in the St Mary’s Lincolns. The team was excited for the opportunity of progressing to the finals, aware that their fate laid within their own hands. They played a fantastic, high-spirited game, dominating the play with their speed and persistent pressure. Strathroy skated their way to a commanding 5-1 victory & a well-deserved place in the finals.
In the finals, Strathroy would face yet another London team – the North London Nationals. Both teams boasted a 4-0 record thus far through the tournament with North London not yet having given up a single goal against. Strathroy came out flying in what has become their typical ‘Rocket’ style fashion, creating multiple scoring chances throughout the first period however the Nationals struck first scoring with only 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock. It was a defining moment and could have been a pivotal point in the game however the Jr Rockets maintained their composure & remained focused on the task at hand. They continued to compete, to drive forward, apply pressure and win their battles in all areas of the ice. After numerous scoring attempts, Strathroy was finally rewarded with a goal when they successfully got one past the National’s net minder.
The second & third periods continued to be action packed with the score remaining 2-1 until late in the third when the Nationals slipped in their 3rd and final goal to seal the deal. At the end of the game the final score was 3-1 in favor of the Nationals who now proceed to the International Silver Stick tournament in January. We wish them success...
As Regional Finalists we couldn’t be more proud of our ‘team’. The manner in which our players conducted themselves on & off the ice is commendable. They displayed sportsmanship & good will, which is what Silver Stick is all about. Each and every player performed well & contributed consistently over all 5 games. Through their effort, attitude & sacrifice for one another they demonstrated a maturity level & understanding of the game, which is quite impressive & continues to evolve...
With 2012 having come to an end, we’re very pleased with the development & progression of our team. We now prepare & eagerly look forward to the challenges & opportunities that lay ahead of us through 2013...
Congratulations Jr Rockets - may it be a Happy New Year for all!!!