Walkerton’s LL Bantams can look back on their season with pride. While they did not ultimately emerge as the winner of the Champions Series, they did win the Northern Division Championship after sweeping the early round robin playdowns.
Walkerton ultimately came up against the strong and well rounded Kincardine Kinucks team and they just proved too much too handle.
Walkerton tied the opening game 1-1 even with a period of over time, on the strength of Reed Leslie’s goaltending and a perfect rebound capitalization by Austin Hickey after great face off work by Isaac Elliot and a drilled shot from the point by Liam Robertson.
The next night Walkerton hosted Kincardine. Kincardine came out flying and potted a shot with just nine seconds off the clock and never really looked back. Walkerton never gave up, but it was only Matt McArthur who found the net (unassisted) leaving Walkerton in a deep 5-1 hole and a game back in the series.
The final game was held in Kincardine. Walkerton came on strong, but a goal that was allowed even though the net was off its moorings and another on a very unlucky bounce seemed to take some of the wind out of Walkerton’s sails. In the end it was a 4-0 loss for Walkerton, sealing the Champions series win for Kincardine.
There were lots of standout plays and action during this highly successful Division Champions season. Every player grew under the tutelage of Head Coach Jeff Davidson, assisted by Steve Elliott, John Martin, Paul Goetz, Don Leslie, and Paul McArthur. All of these fine people have the deep gratitude of players and parents alike. Thanks for such a great season.