The Strathroy Midget Local League Blue Team, sponsored by Doug and Marion’s Bike Sales and Repairs and Helkka Pools, recently captured the bronze medal at the Shallow Lake LL tournament held on Saturday, December 1st. The team dropped a close opening game before rebounding to win the bronze medal game against the host team.
Strathroy opened the tournament on the wrong end of a hard-fought 1-0 decision against Tiverton. The game was a defensive struggle and scoreless heading to the third period when Tiverton converted a breakaway with two minutes remaining to take the victory. Chris Glasgow was stellar in net for Strathroy with several key saves that kept the Jr. Rockets within striking distance despite having to fight off a number of short-handed situations over the course of the game.
As the tournament did not follow a round-robin format, Tiverton then faced the winner of the other opening game in the 4-team local league division, Bruce Peninsula. The worst case scenario unfolded for Strathroy as these teams battled to a tie, leaving Strathroy and the loser of the other opening game, Shallow Lake, with no chance to catch up and make it to the gold medal game. It was then agreed that Strathroy and Shallow Lake would play a single game for the bronze medal.
The bronze medal game was another low scoring affair. Strathroy took the lead in the final minute of the first period as Brad Neath scored unassisted on a backhand from close range after stealing the puck in the Shallow Lake defensive zone. The Jr. Rockets extended the lead to 2-0 in the second period as Neath scored his second of the game, converting a two on one pass from Kennedy as Kuindersma picked up the second assist. Shallow Lake would make it interesting with a goal in the final minute of the third period with their goalie out for an extra attacker, but that would be as close as they would come, as Strathroy secured the victory 2-1. Glasgow was again sharp in net for Strathroy and well-deserving of the win.
Midget LL Blue team members are: Goaltender Chris Glasgow, defensemen Logan Burgess, Tyler Grasman, Jacob Silva, Kyle Tahk and Caleb Vandenberk, and forwards Jeff Cleland, Josh Flenniken, Garrett Kennedy, Eric Kuindersma, Bobby Lamont, Malcolm Lamont, Gavin Littlejohn, Brad Neath and Aiden Newell.
Also, with the season underway, the team wishes to extend a big thank you to our coaching staff – Coach Tim Newell, Assistant Coach Don Vandenberk, Trainer Rob Littlejohn and Team Manager Pat Flenniken.