Jan 31, 2013 | mbalasin | 1518 views
Bantam Reps make International "A" Finals!
From Jan.24th thru Jan.28th the Bantam Rep team competed in the North American International Silverstick Bantam "A" division in Port Huron, Michigan.
The Rockets would face the Chicago Wolf Pack in game #1. The Rockets struck first with 3:32 to go in the first and the period ended 1-0. The Rockets found their legs to take over the game in the second period outscoring the Wolf Pack 4-1 to take a 5-1 lead heading into the third where they would exchange 2 goals apiece for a 7-3 final. The Rockets showed great balance with 7 different players scoring in the game.
In game #2 the opponent were the San Jose Sharks who were also coming off a victory. The Rockets had their eyes set on getting the #1 seed and it showed early as they struck only 11 seconds in to the game and would swarm the Sharks for 3 more in the first period. The Rockets would add 2 in the second and 1 in the third. Again paced with 5 different scorers.
Game #3 the Rockets faced Wonderland Wizards from Bridgeport CT. The Wizards threw a blanket defense at the Rockets early holding the Rockets to only one goal in the first period. After the flood the Rockets made adjustments that the Wizards had no answer for tallying 6 goals. The teams traded third period goals for an 8-1 final.
The quarter-finals would be a match-up with a familiar team in Mooretown. The Rockets hit the ice ready for a battle and knew that discipline would be the key. Mid-way thru the first that discipline would pay-off with a power-play goal. 3:13 into the second the power-play would strike again for a 2 goal lead. Mooretwon replied to make it 2-1 but the Rockets responded by scoring a short-handed goal late for a 3-0 lead after 2 periods. The coaching staff continued to stress discipline. The Rockets got a goal even strength and capitalized on another power-play for a 5-1 win.
This would set-up a much anticipated semi-final match-up with Midland Centennials. The Cens would dictate the pace early and it paid off at 2:26 and again at 8:12 of the first period. In the second period the Rockets ran into penalty trouble and were 2 men down for a 3 minute stretch but great penalty killing and tremendous goaltending would keep the score 2-0. This gave the Rockets confidence and momentum. The Rocket power-play would convert 3:00 into the third on a blast from the point. The Rockets fed off of that energy striking again at 7:23 to complete the comeback from 2 down. The pace of play was fast and both teams traded chances and the third ended tied at 2 sending the game to sudden death overtime. The Rockets depth would play a key role as the overtime went on and the fourth period would not provide a winner and the teams headed to double-overtime. The ice was flooded and the teams took the ice for battle. On the second shift of the fifth period the puck was passed to point point where a quick wrist-shot was sent to the net. The Cens goaltender made the save but left the rebound for the Rockets to bury for the thrilling 3-2 W and a trip to the finals!
In the finals the Rockets would face the #1 ranked Quinte West Hawks. A major A team from the Trenton,Ontario region that came in with an impressive 50-1 record on the season. The Rockets would accept the underdog role with desire and determination along with a hot goalie. The game quickly turn into a physical affair with chances exchanged but neither team could convert. The final would go to overtime. Both teams played tight defense and limited scoring chance but with 3:04 the Hawks would score on a blast from the high slot.
The Rockets placed one forward and their goaltender on the tournament All-Star team but it was a true team-effort top to bottom. Very special thanks go out to our AP players. A trip to finals could not have happened with-out you.
Thank-you to the Rocket faithful that made the drive to Port Huron to cheer on the boys!