Dec 31, 2013 | Jamie O'Brien | 2752 views
Novice Stars Bound For International Silver Stick
St. Thomas Novice A Stars used their Christmas holidays to compile a record of 4 wins and 1 loss at the Regional Silver Stick qualifier in Parkhill to earn them an invitation to the North American Silver Stick Championship in St. Clair Shores, Michigan January 24-26, 2014.
The Stars began the tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the London Bandits. Player of the game honours went to forward Clark Sandham. This was followed by a solid 9-0 victory over the St. Mary's Rock. Player of the game honours went to defenceman Jack Zylstra with Coby Binks earning the shutout. The Stars used this momentum to win a close contest with Erie North Shore Storm 2-0, assuring them first place in their pool. Player of the game honours went to Riley Legacy in goal who earned the shutout. This all set up a crucial semi-final game with the North London Nationals. The Stars built up a 4-0 lead after two periods, weathered a late rally by the Nationals to earn a 5-2 victory. Player of the game honours went to defenceman Carter Lawrence.
The final game of the tournament was against the Dorchester Dragons. After a very defensive, scoreless first period the Dragons got on the board with a marker midway through the second. After a few missed St. Thomas opportunities Dorchester added a second goal in the third to take a 2-0 lead. St. Thomas would not give up however finally solving the Dorchester goaltender with 3 minutes left to make it 2-1. Unfortunately it was Dorchester who put the icing on the cake scoring an empty net goal in the last minute to beat the Stars 3-1 taking the regional title and receiving an Invitation to the 30th Annual International Silver Stick Tournament in St. Clair Michigan.
During the trophy ceremony The St. Thomas Novice Stars were very excited to accept there own invitation to the International Tournament as one of only two wildcard invitations that were extended to exceptional teams.
Special congratulations go to Clark Sandham and Carter Lawrence who were recognized as tournament MVPs for their respective positions.
The Coaching Staff would like to congratulate the team on great tournament. The hard work the team has exhibited over the last 4 months is really paying off. Each young man should be very proud to accept the Wildcard Invitation offered to only two teams over 14 tournaments across North America.
Well done Stars!