Despite having great TEAM play and home advantage the PEEWEE AE STARS just could not overcome the Dorchester Dragons in the semi final and would like to congratulate Dorchester on winning the tournament. The boys were competitive and upbeat thru the entire tournament and the continuation of TEAM play was focused with each game played.
In the opening game against the Erie North Shore Storm, the PEEWEE AE TEAM overwhelmed them and pinned their team to their end, beating them 8-0; getting all points. Matt Beckwith captured the extra point for the shutout win for the STARS. For the shots that came Matt’s way, he had to be on his game and had to make a great sprawling dive to the side of the net to keep the shutout alive. Caden Beshara got the STARS the game winning goal when it shot from the blue line and it trickled past the goalie. Another defenseman, Sam Graham got the next as he flew in from the wing and shot one past the shoulder. Sam also had 3 point for the game. Joey Hardy kept his point streak alive getting 2 more goals and 4 points on the day; one on a 4-on-4 play as he streaked in at the side of the net. Noah Dos Santos flashed another in as he received the pass and hit the top corner. The line of Sam Hardy, Ryan Payne and Denys Reid kept setting up plays and winning face offs to control the play in the Storm’s end. After a wrap around attempt was stopped by the North shore goalie, Cameron Douglas grabbed the rebound and made the goalie pay for being out of position and lifted it over his head to fall in the net. From the point Zack Banks smacked the puck at the corner and beat the goalie’s glove. Carson Nurse got his first goal and 3 points in the game, as he received a pass from behind the net and snuck it thru the five-hole. The defensive play of Ash O’Connor, Noah Allen kept Erie from getting to the board as they controlled the power plays at both ends of the ice.
Game 2 saw the STARS falter a bit, losing to Chatham Cobras 5-4. It was a tight game right from the beginning with goals being swapped back and forth. Joey Hardy, with 2 goals; the opening and the ending gave the STARS fans hope and great exciting plays. Joey heard the roar of the crowd as he was hauled down on a breakaway attempt to the net which resulted in a penalty shot for the first time of the season. Joey grabbed the puck skated in and deaked the goalie at the last minute, renewing the life of the STARS. Josh Hare slipped past the defense and found the top corner for another of the STARS goals. With a great blistering, rocket launcher of a shot Zack Banks rang another in as it went past the stick of the Cobra’s goalie.
Game 3, with a 6-0 victory over the Grimsby Peach Kings game the ST THOMAS PEEWEE AE STARS TEAM a birth to the semi finals, finishing in first place in their pool. It was a hat trick again for the mighty Joey Hardy, Cameron Douglas and Noah Dos Santos line. There was nothing stopping Joey in this game, getting the game winner and the final goal. Zack Banks was firing on all cylinders as well grabbing 2 more goals with assists by Josh Hare and Carson Nurse. Denys Reid slid up the boards and received passes from Ryan Payne and Sam Hardy as Deny Reid made some room and found an opening at the net. Matt Beckwith with a tremendous effort of will and goalie presence got the STARS a second shutout point and win of the tournament. The defense of the STARS could not be matched by the Peach Kings. Sam Graham, Caden Beshara and Noah Allen and Ash O’Connor literally took every on comer to the boards and made them pay for coming in the zone.
In the semi final against Dorchester, Chris Wood had an outstanding performance, blocking shots and snagging them out of the air. Chris controlled the game in the STARS end, and had to come out and challenge the Dragon’s shooter as he came in alone from the wing, stopping the puck inches from the goal line. Defensive pairings of David DaCosta and Noah Allen were throwing some great checks in the game, cutting off the rushing Dragons. Joey Hardy had a fantastic tournament of goals getting the STARS their only goal in this game and having the lead for the first period; as Cameron Douglas batted at the puck in front of the net and Joey got the rebound in.
Many players had a great performance in the tournament and as the saying goes – “it will make the team stronger” as the TEAM strives to never see another loss this season.
Great Effort Boys – Let’s get them next time!!!
GO STARS!!!