Feb 13, 2011 | bbuzz | 1330 views
International Silver Stick Champions!!!
Written by Shannon Busby
The Walkerton Larsen Bantam rep girls once again prevailed in Trenton this past weekend. The International Silver Stick Tournament hosted nine teams looking for the honorary title, and the Capitals accepted rights as the tournament Champions! The Caps proudly went undefeated throughout the entire tourney.
In game 1, the Caps were seeded against a familiar team from Carleton Place. Walkerton recently defeated this crew in the gold medal game in the Guelph Thunderstorm tournament. The Caps again handed the opposition a 2-0 loss. Maddy Wright scored both goals on assists from line mates Julie Thomson, and Joelle Busby. Thomson was awarded game MVP. Next up, the Caps faced a well-sized Nepean team. The notable size difference did not intimidate, as Walkerton’s defensive squad easily cleared the defensive zone. Goalie Alyssa Inglis was integral in the win as she repeatedly fended off shots on net. Kailee Liesemer added the fire to the game as she started the series of scoring, burying the puck on her unassisted goal. Period two saw Thomson score a pair with assists going to Busby and Alyssa Becker. Late in the third, the Caps found themselves caught up in a 2-man disadvantage due to penalties issued. The team was unable to fight off their opponents and they scored with 36 seconds remaining. Final score 3-1 in the Caps favour. Liesemer received MVP honours. Game 3 was a match that had the Walkerton cheering squad uneasy and nervous for the entire game. The Orangeville Tigers had little chance to score on Inglis, but the Caps had great difficulty finding the twine! The Caps had over 40-recorded shots on net, but only one would be permitted. With 26 seconds remaining in the game, the Caps made a rush into the offensive zone. Becker fed Busby who then fed Thomson and she had no trouble sealing the deal for the win. Faith Yensen was chosen game MVP. In semi-final play, Walkerton defeated the Kemptville Storm 3-1. The Capitals were lead by Assistant Captain Thomson as she tallied 2 markers. Liesemer also contributed with one of her own. Assists went to Wright, Busby, and Thomson. Destiny Berberich was selected MVP. This brought the Caps to the final game, opponents…the Cold Creek Comets. The Caps came out flying, as they could taste victory. The Caps scored 3 quick goals in the first period then continuously pressured the Comets till the final buzzer. Yensen scored twice for the Caps and accepted MVP. Busby also scored. Leah Kittel and Wright provided the assists. The International Silver Stick Champions were awarded Medals and commemorative pins. The team will also be recognized in Toronto`s Hockey Hall of Fame. The victory was a total team effort. Team members include forwards Leah Kittel, Faith Yensen, Nicole Osborne, Joelle Busby, Julie Thomson, Maddy Wright, Kailee Liesemer, Destiny Berberich and Carlee Beitz. Defensemen include Emily Daurio, Monica Fritz, Alyssa Becker and Shelby Fortney. Guarding the twine for the Capitals was Alyssa Inglis. Coaching staff consists of Brian Busby, Tom Kittel and Jamie Stark. Trainers Janet Wright, and Cheryl Kuntz. Manager Shannon Busby. The Capitals finished first overall in Lower Lake League Play and are now competing in Provincial Playdowns.