Dec 05, 2018 | Derek Cherrey | 209 views
B Finalists in Minto Tournament
The Crusaders started off the month of December with a one day tournament in Minto on Saturday, December 1st. The lads started out horribly slow in the first game against the Vipers from Arthur, not getting a shot on net until about 3 minutes left in the first period. Arthur came out flying trying to avenge there lopsided loss the weekend prior to the Boys from BBMHA. The Vipers were up 3-1 at the end of the first.
Much of the same for the second period as the Crusaders just couldn't find their groove thang. End of the second period it was 5-1 for the Vipers, looking like they would wallop the Boys a good one. Then in the third the Crusaders finally woke up pushing hard all the way back to tie the game at 5 then 6 with about 3 minutes left to play. Back and forth the teams went putting on a show for the rest of the tournament kids and parents to watch. Many times during the third bringing the crowd to their feet and into a frenzy with the furious offensive display put forth by the players of both teams. The eventual result was the Crusaders dumping a heart breaker 8-7. Player of the game award went to Hot Rod Ansley. But wait a minute folks!! Did the Vipers wake up a sleeping giant??
The second game of the day was only 2.5 hours later against the Mount Forest Rams. And to answer my own question about a sleeping giant, the answer was yes. The Boys from BBMHA scored 16 seconds into the game and did not look back, winning 10-3. Over all as a team the kids played well. Tighter D and timely scoring were evident and much appreciated by the coaches. Player of the game award went to Justin Case Fleet scoring 5 of his 9 goals of the tournament against the Rams. Now all we had to do was wait to see who we played in the B final. And wouldn't you like to know it......it was Arthur again for the third game against them in our last 4 games. All the fans in the lobby were waiting with great anticipation to watch these two offensive juggernauts have at'er again. They did not have to wait long, just 2.5 hours away again.
They did not disappoint posting 18 goals total with our boys coming up short 10-8. It was a back and forth battle with multiple lead changes giving the crowd a one of a kind show. Even though we lost the game we gained so much in defeat. How to play as a team, with great sportsmanship, discipline and a great attitude on and off the ice. We as a club were the only ones to wear a shirt and tie and once again it did not go unnoticed. Boys, you made each of the coaches, parents, grand parents and family members extremely proud to call you OURS.
We have nothing to hang our heads about, that is for sure. We as a coaching staff on behalf of BBMHA Minor Hockey would like to thank the Minto Mad Dogs Minor Hockey Association for putting on a wonderful tournament. The kids had a blast and you treated them like one of your own. Thank you very much!!!
Well wouldn't you know it, this Saturday December 8th we play.....you guessed it Arthur at 1 pm in Arthur. Should be a lot of fun. Can't wait to see what's in store for us this time. Should be a CLASSIC!!!
Coach Derek