May 19, 2008 | mlandry | 1532 views
99 Novices Finish Strong winning Top Gun
The 1999 Ice Sharks finished off a successful Spring season by capturing the Top Gun tourney in Etobicoke. This was the second finals appearance for the Novices who also played for the Championship at the Northshore Challenge Cup. Congratulations to the players and coaches on becoming only the second Ice Shark team to win a tournament championship.
Throughout the tourney, a combination of solid goaltending and strong team play carried the Sharks to five consecutive victories. On Friday, the Sharks squeaked by the Zone Training 4-3, coming back from a 3-1 deficit late in the game. Next, the Sharks devoured the Connecticut Nordique, 9-2. The game was closer than the score as the Sharks scored in bunches and outhustled their opponents. The third game featured a rematch between the Sharks and Hockey Hi-lites. Hi-lites surprised the Sharks at the Northshore Challenge cup, defeating them 4-2 for their only round robin loss. In this game, the Sharks played their strongest game of the Spring season. Baily Pacquette was outstanding in net picking up the shut out and the Shark forwards were relentless forechecking the Hi-lite defenceman. All game long, the five Shark defenceman controlled the game with quick puck movement. The final score was 5-0, although the Hi-lite goalie was also terrific making many great saves.
The semi-final featured a second game with the Zone. After a near upset in the first game, the Sharks didn't underestimate their opponent and controlled every aspect of the game handing the Zone a 12-1 loss.
The final was also a rematch against the Nordique. The Sharks were vary of this team who were playing stronger as the tourney wore on. Within the first minute, the Sharks found themselves down 2-0. Will Thibeault scored on a nice solo effort to make it 2-1 and Kade Landry scored on a penalty shot to tie it. The Sharks scored the next two on goals from Will Thibeault, however, the Nordique would not quit, eventually tieing the game in the last minute. With 14 seconds left, Noah Kuno scored a big goal to clinch the championship for the Sharks.
The tourney victory was the result of a true team effort. Individual play was replaced with a team first approach, making this Shark team a difficult opponent to play. Outstanding job by the coaches for developing a team approach and executing a winning game plan. For a full listing of the 1999 Ice Shark roster, click on roster on the Novice Home Page.