Apr 01, 2011 | scobean | 1537 views
Comeback Kids - Grand Champions!!!!
Down 1 game in a best 2 out of 3 series, 2nd game down 3-1 and come back and win 4-3, final game down 1-0 and comeback and win 2-1 in overtime to earn the title of the "Comeback Kids", but more importantly the coveted Cruickshank Cup as the best team in the WOAA Atom Rep/AE division of 32 teams!!!
What an accomplishment, especially for a team who for the most part this season grabbed the lead and maintained the lead, so this required a little different attitude and determination which came through in flying colours during the last 2 games. The fans didn't enjoy the tight games but certainly enjoyed the final outcome of tonight's 2-1 overtime victory.
There may not have been firetrucks and fireworks but the Walkerton Arena was on fire after Carter Buehlow tied the game with 3:25 left in regular time on a pass from Hunter Zettler. Ignited with that spark the McIntee Boys almost put the game away in the final minute of the third period but then decided the golf course was closed so "let's play some more hockey." The overtime period was end to end play with both teams having great opportunities only to be shut down by the opposing goalie. Aidan Quish played outstanding in net once again for Walkerton to keep Walkerton's hopes alive.
When it appeared that the teams would head into a second 10 minute period of overtime, Captain Brayden McKenzie did what he has successfully done several times this year. With some great distractions provided by his teammates keeping the Minto Mad Dogs out of his way, he skated to the net and scored the winning goal!
What an awesome team effort by this group of young men who never gave up and knew that by working together they would achieve their goal and earn the Championship!
It's not about being on the scoresheet, it's about playing as a team and supporting each other and just like they learned in Tyke Hockey - having fun!!! Of course it's more fun winning and we are very proud of the team consisting of Carter Buehlow, Drew Cobean, Austin Kelly, Tristan Zettel, Dakota Weiler, Evan Visser, Curtis Al, Dorian Charette, Jayce Busby, Aidan Quish, Brayden McKenzie, Hunter Zettler, Sam Lowry-Young and Noah Leslie.
The McIntee Atom Rep coaching staff of Joe Zettler, Rob McKenzie, Scott Buehlow, Don Leslie and Jim Al are to be congratulated for their efforts leading the team to a 54-11-2 series. Wow!!
Undefeated in league play this season and earning the maximum 1000 points, they are also the Regional Silverstick Champions, the WOAA "B" Division Champions, Erin Hillsburg Tournament "B" Champions, Mount Forest Tournament Champions, Durham Tournament Finalists, International Silverstick Semi Finalists, OMHA Semi Finalists and capped it off tonight with a sweet victory to become the WOAA Cruickshank Cup Champions!
It's been quite a journey these past 7 months and great friendships have been made with both players and parents. Definitely a season to remember!!