by Shannon Busby
Walkerton Peewee Rep Girls had their hearts set on gold as they travelled to Cambridge for the Roadrunner tournament this past weekend. Having earned the silver medal in a recent Barrie tournament the Caps were determined to bring home gold for Walkerton. Hard work, discipline and talented passing along with solid defense was what it took for the girls to receive their wish!
Game one took place Friday afternoon against the Hamilton Hawks. Jasmine Thompson impressed the crowd by scoring each and every goal for Godfathers! Hamilton was defenseless as Leah Kittel assisted three of the goals as did Emily Cormack. Defenseman Maddy Wright demonstrated strategic passing which warranted two assists. Hamilton was able to muster 2 goals past the Walkerton squad in the first two periods, but the 5-2 score remained posted as the final buzzer sounded. Thompson earned MVP of the game.
After a curfewed night, the rested players were early risers for the 8AM game versus the host team. The Roadrunners were dominated by the Caps and were not allowed a single goal. Joelle Busby led the crew in scoring four of the six goals and assisting one. The goalie had little chance after being deked out on two of these goals. Julie Thomson was integral in the win as she scored a goal of her own and tallied four assists. Ashley Ernst showed much determination as she dug the puck out of the corners to assist 3 goals. Kittel scored an unassisted goal late in the second period for the sixth and final marker. Walkerton's defense are commended for their smart, heads up play. Natalie Hawkins, Melynda McKenzie, Wright and Monica Fritz played a huge role in assisting Madison Elliott to earn the shutout. Wright grabbed MVP honours.
Game three was played at the Cambridge mall against the Brantford Ice Cats. The Caps were up against a little more competition this game, but still came out victorious with a 3-0 win. The first period resulted in a scoreless draw. Busby opened the scoring in the second period with a beautiful pass off the stick of line mate Julie Thomson. Soon after, Fritz seized the opportunity to handle the puck the entire length of the ice and blast a shot on net. Cormack was in perfect position to chip in the rebound after Jasmine Thompson swiped at the puck. Next Julie Thomson found the back of the net with the assist going to Busby. McKenzie was awarded game MVP.
Undefeated in all games secured the Caps the honour of home team in the gold medal game. Once again, the Caps would face the Ice Cats who this time revealed their claws. The Cats took the girls off guard as they quickly walked in to score a goal with less than 40 seconds gone in the game. The Caps regrouped and gained focus on the gold. Jasmine Thompson took a shot from the hash marks that trickled past the Ice cats goalie, Fritz earned the assist. This seemed to relax the Caps a little. With seconds remaining in the first period, Thompson came from behind the net and stuffed the puck past the keeper giving the Caps the 2-1 advantage. Periods two and three were a contest between the teams with back and forth play and penalties issued to each. The nervous fans sighed (finally) as the buzzer sounded to end the game. Julie Thomson was chosen MVP.
After an entertaining team party, the Caps are now shifting their attention to the International Silver Stick in Sarnia in three weeks time. Way to go girls, 12 taps for the Caps!!!