Feb 04, 2013 | drourke | 692 views
Atom Girls need Shootout in Thrilling Tournament Win
The Walkerton Capitals Atom Girls had a perfect weekend on
the ice winning all five of their games to capture the championship at the 35th
Annual Orangeville Tigers Sweetheart Tournament.
The Capitals faced off against the Orangeville Fireballs in the final, a team they had previously defeated in round-robin play. Emma Fortney scored early in the first period putting Walkerton up 1-0.
Fortney would go on to score a natural hat trick before Orangeville got on the board in the third period. McKenna Hickling added a late goal for Walkerton who worked hard for a 4-1 win. Lauren O’Hagan assisted on all four Walkerton goals.
The most exciting game of the tournament came in the semi-finals. The Capitals trailed South Huron 1-0 until late in the third period when Fortney scored with 1 minute 46 seconds remaining. That goal sent the game to a four-on-four overtime.
During the extra frame, Walkerton successfully killed the only penalty of the game for the last minute and a half of overtime. The game then went to a shootout. After four shooters Lauren O’Hagan had scored Walkerton’s only goal and the shootout was tied at 1-1. Then, Walkerton’s fifth shooter, Megan Bell scored on a forehand deek that beat the South Huron goalie and put the Capitals in the final game.
Walkerton’s other wins in round-robin play came over the Red Devils (3-0) and Guelph (5-1). Also scoring for Walkerton during the tournament were Chloe Zettler, Maleeka Grein and Leah Elphick. Player of the Game awards went to Emma Fortney, Nicole Schmidt, Megan Bell and goaltender Keely Clarke who was outstanding all weekend and also received the top goaltender award.
“The girls played their hearts out the whole weekend,” Capitals coach Rod Fortney said. “I am proud of everyone on the team. Each girl helped out in so many ways “. Assistant coach, John Bujold was equally impressed with the team and was grateful for the many parents and other Walkerton supporters who made the drive to Orangeville to support the team.
The team has upcoming games against Blyth-Brussels and Markdale before travelling to Oakville to compete in the 17th annual Oakville Hornets Girls’ Hockey Tournament, February 22-24.