The MINOR ATOM STARS went 4-0 winning all regular tournament games, only giving up 2 goals and lost a very close game in the semi-finals to Brantford 2-1.
This was a great week for the STARS goalies. Ryan Bonter had back to back shut outs in game 1 with a STARS 2-0 win over the Hamilton Spitfires and then in game 3 with a 1-0 STARS win against the North London Nationals. Ryan was playing some of his best goaltending of the year. There were a few times when it looked like Ryan was down and out and made the slide over to the opposite side to get the pad out to block the puck. Ryan also had to face some breakaways but stood his ground and stopped the shot before they came close. Maclane Stringle was also playing his best this week as well. Maclane got another shut out for the STARS in game 2 with a 2-0 win over the Woodstock Navy Vets. Maclane also had an awesome game 4 in the STARS 5-2 win over Erindale Spitfires. Maclane was solid between the rails and had to come up with some fancy glove saves as the pucks where up around his shoulders. On a 3 on 1 break Maclane sprang from one side to the other to stop the rush and hold onto the puck.
The only loss that occurred for the STARS TEAM was to Brantford 99ers; 1-2; in a heartbreak fury at the end of the third period. The STARS found themselves down by 2 goals half way thru the third but kept battling back to get into the game. On a power play Colton Wiacek sped down the wing, cut to the net and got the STARS within one, but with some late penalties to the STARS they just couldn’t get it back. Colton had a great tournament and also played some of his best defense with cutting off players getting to the net and getting rushes started. The defensemen really stepped up their games and Jeffery Carr and Mike Roth created play after play opening the ice up for passing. James Martin and Evan Clarke both found some open room and popped a couple of goals in for the STARS
Getting the game winning goals in the North London Nationals game and against Hamilton, the line of Jack Pigram, Ethan Georgijev and Kyle Wiebe slid the puck from side to side and found an opening in the net. The line of Brennan Bradley, Ethan Miron and Hunter Nurse had many passing and shooting opportunities and outworked their opponents to the net, getting the game winner against Woodstock. They also had a huge amount of success on the penalty kill and keeping offensive pressure against all they faced. The line of Brennen Smith, Jayce Smith and Keavan Milmine; not only getting the game winner against Erindale; but also kept the pressure up on all team and forced the play in their ends.
They MINOR ATOM STARS played above and beyond all expectations and had great tournament success in Brantford. GREAT JOB BOYS!!!!
GO STARS!!!!!