May 18, 2015 | Mmorgan | 1403 views
Stonetown Classic Cup 2015 Champions
For the second weekend in a row the Major Atom Sharks have taken home the championship trophy. During the process of getting the team selected and through the first practice the coaching staff knew this year that this group of kids could do and be something great this year but, they have exceeded any expectations that we ever had for them. They as a group have came together and committed to the team and the way the coaching staff wants them to play. It has been great to watch from behind the bench and in the stands. This weekend in Stratford, St. Mary's and Dorchester was the Dunny's Source for Sports Stonetown Classic Cup.
First game for the Sharks was the familiar Bluewater Sharks from Sarnia. We knew they wanted to come out hard and fast as they didn't like to loose to us last weekend. Slow start for Maitland and two defensive breakdowns saw the game tied at 2 going into the last half of the third. With great forechecking, good bounce and a sweet back hand put the Maitland up 3-2 and gave them the win. Goaltending in this game by Ryan Tanner was One of the key factor for the win.
With a good team lunch and a drive to St. Mary's the next team to face was the host Dunny's team. The Dunny's team was a little different than last weekend but, came out strong and physical and took the early lead. As the boys took the lead the game started to get out of hand with the physical play. The boys were frustrated with a lot of what was going on but, a quick talk with coaching staff made the realize where to retaliate. This must of got through as the Sharks went out and in the matter of 7 minutes with a couple short handed goals the core was 9-2. Coaching staff was super proud of the boys and how they carried themselves when faced with a game like that.
Saturday saw the boys come up against the Pitbulls. The Sharks had a great start and carried the play most of the game. Strong back checking didn't allow the other team to gain any momentum in our zone. The final ended in a 7-0 win for the Sharks.
With thy a big team lunch and more team bonding you can see why these kids play well on the ice together. The Sharks had a Reginal Express team to face for game four. This game was not much different than the last game goalies didn't get much action and with the Sharks being so strong on the puck it was to much for the opposition. Final was 9-0 Sharks. With this win it put the Sharks in first place and yet another game with the Bluewater Sharks. This time game was in semi final and that much more important.
The semi final was scheduled for 8:15 am, pretty early and never sure how kids will play that early. Maitland came out flying and was taking it to Sarnia early. This game got way out of hand early with no penalties being called and kids on both teams deserving them. Maitland kept pushing and pushing and battled through a really rough game where luckily no one got hurt on either bench. With their hard work the boys won the semi final 3-0 and we're off the finals at 2:15.
The final game had the Sharks facing Excelerate Hockey. The Sharks had never seen this team yet but, knew it was going to be a good game and they just had to stick to their game plan. With a great start and good defensive play the Sharks put up a 3-0 lead going into the last 6 minutes of the game. A breakaway goal changed the look of the game at 4 minute mark, and then a deflection goal saw the game become 3-2. Both teams battled hard but, the Sharks came out on top. Once again goaltending was a factor with Owen Morgan making some great saves. The boys learned that sloppy play in our own end and letting up as you think you have won the game can changed everything just that fast.
Both weekends were great successes on and off the ice and the coaching staff, parents and families couldn't be more proud of these Sharks!!!! Way to go boys you deserve it!!!!!