May 10, 2015 | Mmorgan | 935 views
Sarnia Bluewater Sharks Champions
This weekend the Major Atom Sharks were in Sarnia for their first tournament of the season. With some off season roster changes and a few exhibition victories under their belts the new and old Sharks were excited to get down there and start playing some competitive hockey. The coaching staff new this was going to be very different competition than they had yet seen in their two previous games but, knew the kids would be up for the challenge.
First game of their 2015 tournament season was against the home team Sharks. Fresh off a tournament win last weekend the Bluewater Sharks were feeling pretty confident. The game started out fast for Maitland with a scoring chance first shift. The game was a fast pase, physical game. With great passing, hard physical play, and good goaltending the Maitland Sharks came out on top 3-1. During the game the defence found out in a hurray how fast the game and players can be and made the proper adjustments the rest of the way.
In the afternoon the next opponent for Atom North was the Midland Northstars. This was to be played on the big ice at the R.B.C Center. (Sting arena) This was most of the kids first time playing somewhere a junior "a" club plays. It was awesome to see them look around when ice was being cleaned at all the seats, boxes and names of former players that played right were they are and you can see them just taking in the whole experience. I think the most enjoyable part for them was to be able to hope the boards on to the ice like the big guys. The boys came out strong again but, the game didnt have the same team play or physicality as the first. With strong goaltending once again combined with strong back checking, forechecking and some strong individual efforts the Sharks finished the game with a 6-1 victory.
The Sharks next scheduled game wasn't until 4pm the following day. So after some team bonding Rock Climbing, shooting each other at laser tag and some lunch the kids headed to the arena to face a strong Dunny's team. The kids were geared up for this with an ex-member from last years roster sitting on the other bench. When the game started the kids found out quick how good this team could skate and capitalize on our mistakes. The first two periods looked like a team that had all day to sit around and were trailing 3-1. The third period seen the Sharks turn it around and with some missed opportunities left the game loosing 3-2.
After a quick Subway dinner outside the arena and some more team bonding the team headed back into rink to play Victory Honda in a "win your in game" as both teams had ten points. The Sharks with the loss still fresh in their minds hit the ice and played a strong game and exploded on the score sheet. Combination good goaltending, strong back checking, great defensive play and just getting pucks to the net had the Sharks come out on top 7-2 and a meeting with Dunny's in the finals.
With all the players going to bed early and ready for the rematch, it was sure to be a great game. The game started it out even with some chances either way. Both teams had goals called back and that was more than enough to get the coaches and fans into the game. First period ended 0-0. In the second period the Sharks opened the scorimg and then not long after the potted another. Penalty killing has be fantastic for our team and was rewarded with a shorty added marker in the second as well. With the Sharks continuous pressure and constant back checking along with great goaltending claimed the championship with a powerful 6-1 win.
The he coaching staff was impressed with all the players right from our two goalies to our forwards with how they changed the pase of the game and never stopped pushing the whole tournament. This group of kids and parents are what make spring hockey as enjoyable as it is. You guys played outstanding and certainly deserve this.