Apr 08, 2011 | dbridgwater | 2412 views
Provincials-Live from the field!
My last blog! (Hurray from from the background)
Provincials. Some interesting facts about this tournament. It takes about two months to complete. Each team has to qualify in thier own area. We had to compete against Orangeville, North Halton, Brampton and Guelph.
Our girls made it past these teams with one loss. Just to get past these great teams is a huge success. Now we, as well as our Bantam and Midget teams, get to go to Mississauga for a three day tournament.
This is huge tourney, several arenas, in our loop we had twenty teams. I had heard there were over 5000 girls competing.
So off to the arena for our first game against the Ottawa Valley Thunder. We didn't know much about this team. We sent the girls out full blast with one period at a time. We beat them three to one. All goals were scored in the first period. We just played defensively for the rest of the game. Brook, Jen and Elyse score, assisted by Abbey and Amy. Lots of shots on net, TJ net minding skills were on!
Back to the hotel, we were staying with the Bantams and we had Potluck. There was enough food to feed all of Mt Forest Minor Hockey. Girls were told, this is what we have been working for, so Mr. Donald had laid the rules of the weekend on the table. Curfews and afternoon naps (that was for me) and girls had their own rules.
After leaving the harvest table, we were off to play Markham Stouffville. We have played this team a couple of times with a tie and win. We went after them with 6 to 0 win. Another shut out for TJ! Elyse, PC, Jen and Jordan hit the net. Assists to Natalie, Jen, Brook and Elyse. We are just getting warmed up. We needed the psychological advantage, other teams were watching.
Mr. Donald is having a great time, no signs of stress yet. We hurry back to watch the Bantams at another arena. Back to the hotel. We were lucky to get a room for everyone to get together. It was called a bar. There was enough booze there to feed all of Mt Forest Minor Hockey parents.
Lots of food and drink, some say this is what hockey tournaments are all about. We are very fortunate to have a great bunch of parents who all get along. Great times! We did have two cops and a firefighter on standby, if needed. This is alot better than going out to restaurants and getting asked to leave, (another story).
Our girls are truly committed to hockey, time is 10 pm and ALL of them to bed without a word, except Jordyn Brown, she wants another drink and wants to play cards with Todd. It took three parents to get her to bed.
Now I could go on and on with all the fun, but it is all about hockey. There is a video of a certain person walking around aimlessly in the WEE hours and had to be escorted back to his room. Actually it is in evidence, so you can't watch it. I'm sure it will be in the Mississauga paper, read it then lol.
The OWHA must like us, we had the best schedule anyone could have. Our Saturday game is at 11:30 am. against North York Storm. We did find out some intel and let the girls know. Our never give up attitude scores big with a 8 to 0 win! TJ plays great with some fantastic saves. Goals go to Nat, Amy, Jen, Elyse and hat trick to PC! Beautiful set ups in thier end. Assists to Nat, Jordyn, Jen, PC, Elyse, Amy and Brook. We had to play everyone in our loop and had three wins, we move on to quarterfinals.
Saturday afternoon we played against the Lakeshore Lightning. We had good intel on this team and it ended up with another win 4 to 2. Goals to Brook, Elyse and PC. Assists to Jen, Elyse and Jordan. Off to the semifinals Sunday morning. Everyone is pumped! Mr Donald is doing OK.
Still more food at the hotel. The girls got to autograph thier OWHA hats for everyone. Curfew was 9:30 and no complaints.
8:00 am the RAMS vs Temiskaming Shores. They got a three goal lead in no time. What happened? Mr. Donald has a squeak in his voice. The girls come back and score two in the second. Its three to two. Pressure, pressure! We take or were given three penalties, still no chance to tie it up. They win 3 to 2. Girls, parents are devastated. The girls gave it all they had. Up side we play at 12 for a chance for Bronze.
Everyone back to hotel to book out and get some food and a rest.
Back to arena for the last time, speech after speech. We end up playing Lucan. The ones who took the Silverstick from us as well as Lower Lakes Division. Lots of history here. We have to get the Heart and Soul going. Game gets started. they score a wacked goal on us, TJ didn't even see it. We spent most of the game in their end. For 24 mins no luck, shot after shot. We were denied. Score 1 to 0 loss.
It's tough! Girls are disappointed. BUT look at the big picture, we are in the top fourth spot in over 100 teams. The forth best in Ontario. I'm quite happy with that. We had a great season, learned lots, played excellent, competitive hockey. And I better say we had "fun" or Gail will kill me. Keep your head up high ladies! We have gone further than anyone since Doug's big provincial win nine years ago. Wait till next year!
I have to thank Mr. Donald, I did find him eventually, he was hiding in a closet! He is a great coach and brought alot of great ideas to the team. Trish has done so much to this team as the trainer. We did off ice training and that is what makes the team super fast and strong! Great job! Also to Ken and Terry, I know how heavy those doors are! We all value all your contributions to our team. Thank you! Ice is in, in four months!
Derek