Mar 28, 2009 | Robert Mckenzie | 1078 views
WOAA CHAMPIONS!!!!
For the first time since the 1986/87 season Walkerton's Novice Rep team, sponsored by Fritz Concrete, has won the WOAA Championship defeating BCH (Bayfield-Clinton-Hensall) 3 games to 1.
The boys had a weeks rest after the semi finals and enjoyed a well deserved March Break. The only problem was when they arrived at Clinton to play BCH after their first day back at school, they were sent home with a 6-2 loss by a determined BCH team. The boys all agreed that collectively they did not play their best game and vowed to "get it together" when they returned home on Wednesday night, and "get it together" they did!!
In front of their hometown fans they turned BCH on the long road home with a 4-0 loss. With 1 minute left in the 1st period Austin Kelly on a pass from Evan Visser and Dakota Weiler, found the back of the BCH net. Carter Buehlow followed with 2 goals and Noah Leslie rounded out the scoring at 4 with a goal in the third. Leslie and Brayden McKenzie picked up 2 assists and Buehlow assisted on Leslie's goal.
The series now tied at 1 became 2 out of 3, and Walkerton with home ice advantage hosted BCH Friday night. Evan Visser unassisted put the home team on the scoreboard half way into the first period but the fans would have to wait until just under 3 minutes left in the 3rd period for some insurance. BCH pressed hard, but Visser on a pass from Curtis Al, and Dakota Weiler scored again.
Leading the series 2-1, the Fritz Concrete boys were ready to head back to Clinton today to prove that they could win other than on home ice. There were lots of butterflys, some with spots, and others with upset tummies, but all with a desire to win and bring home the Championship Trophy to Walkerton.
Once again BCH kept Walkerton off the scoreboard and the fans on the edges of their seats. The "clappers" were working hard but a goal was just not to be had until Dakota Weiler scored in the second period. It appeared to be a controversial goal and the fans did not respond at first but the referee clearly called it a goal and Walkerton was up 1-0. The momentum shifted and Evan Visser from Dorian Charette gave the team a little breathing space. Everyone knew this BCH team would not give up easily and they continued to press. Just off the faceoff in the 3rd period Carter Buehlow made a beautiful pass to Hunter Zettler who scored to make the score 3-0. BCH pulled their goalie with 5 minutes left in the game and Walkerton took 2 back to back penalties. Playing 6 on 4, the team, anchored by goaltender Aidan Quish, who has played outstanding this series, (and all season) and defencemen Drew Cobean, Dorian Charette, Brayden McKenzie and Curtis Al were determined to maintain the shutout, and they did.
In the dying seconds of the game, defenceman Dorian Charette cleared the puck and scored an empty netter, with 1 second left on the clock, to give Walkerton a 4-0 win and the Championship.
The players, coaches and parents would like to thank their sponsor Fritz Concrete who has been a generous supporter of Walkerton Minor Hockey and we are pleased to win this Championship on your behalf.
The team, along with parents and siblings, took the traditional championship ride through town after arriving home this afternoon. Tradition however would dictate a ride down mainstreet on the firetruck, but with no firetruck available the boys took a ride in the Leslie Motor's RV, AKA "Georgie Boy". The Boys were greeted by many waves, smiles and thumbs up as they proudly wore their Walkerton Capitals jersey, OMHA Championship hats and medals and waved out the windows and displayed their "We're Number 1" gesture with the biggest smiles ever!!!
It's been quite a season, and we are so proud of these 12 young gentleman who show nothing but pride, respect, leadership and teamwork when they represent Walkerton. They will do so again next weekend as they cap of their season by participating in the Mississauga Reps Spring Tournament.
Submitted by Bettyanne Cobean