The Walkerton Capital Bantam Girls capped off an amazing season bringing home the gold medal from the OWHA Provincial Championships held in Toronto.
Seventy-one Bantam B teams from 16 different regions across Ontario attempted to
qualify for the 24 team provincial tournament. Walkerton qualified first in
their region defeating 8 other teams to earn one of the 24 Provincial spots.
The first game of the tournament pitted Walkerton against St Clair Storm.
The Caps played a solid game scoring two goals in each period, while keeping St
Clair off the score sheet. Cassidy Becker earned the shutout. Scoring for
Larsens were Jasmine Thompson with the hat trick, Leah Kittel, Maddy Wright and
Joelle Busby. Helpers went to Nicole Osborne (3), Julie Thomson (2), Kittel (2),
Thompson, Busby, Morgan Wright and Melynda McKenzie. The second game of the day
saw Oakville Hornets as the opponents. Walkerton’s Kittel started the scoring
off with just 20 seconds gone in the first period, assisted by Jasmine Thompson.
Julie Thomson made it 2-0 with a feed from Busby. Kittel scored her second goal
of the game with help from Jasmine Thompson to finish the scoring. Becker
grabbed her second shutout of the tourney.
Saturday morning the Caps faced the Whitby Wolves. Walkerton would take
this game by a 3-0 score. The defense of Morgan Wright, Taya Schipprack,
McKenzie and Dallas Fischer helped the rock solid Becker earn yet another
shutout. Lighting the lamp for Larsens were Kittel (2) and Monica Fritz. Assists
to Jasmine Thompson, Julie Thomson, Maddy Wright and Ashley Ernst. With a 3-0
record the Caps earned first place in their pool and a spot in the quarter
finals versus Ottawa Ice. Maddy Wright opened the scoring in the second period
unassisted. Ottawa would tie it up 20 seconds later. Julie Thomson would score
the game winning goal early in the third period to give the Caps a semi final
spot.
The semi final opponent would be Markdale Shooting Stars. Kittel would
once again start the scoring for Larsens assisted by Jasmine Thompson and Busby,
but Markdale would even the score one minute later. The game would remain tied
at one until half way through the third when Julie Thomson scored the game
winner, assisted by Maddy Wright and Kittel. The Caps were off to the gold medal
game! A familiar foe in South Huron would be the last obstacle between Walkerton
and the gold. Red hot Kittel opened the scoring on the power play on a nice pass
from Busby. South Huron would reply with a power play marker of their own.
Walkerton battled back less than one minute later with Julie Thomson scoring
from Osborne and Kittel. Early in the second period Maddy Wright would add an
insurance marker with assists to Julie Thomson and McKenzie. The Caps fans
erupted as the final seconds ticked off the clock. The Walkerton Capitals are
OWHA Champions!
This win would mark the end of a perfect season for Walkerton. In
addition to their Ontario crown, they were Guelph tournament Champions,
International Silver Stick Champions, Lower Lakes Female Hockey League Champions
and sported a record of 55 wins, 0 losses and 4 ties. Congratulations girls,
your hard work, dedication, heart, skill and “team first” attitudes have taken
you far. Your parents, loyal fans, and coaches are so proud of all of your
accomplishments.