The Walkerton Capitals Novice Rep team travelled to Cambridge
this past weekend for the Preston International Hockey Tournament.
Walkerton had an early wakeup call Friday morning to start the tournament off against the Kitchener Jr Rangers White team. In what would be a hard fought game by both teams, the Kitchener team would end up coming out on top with a 1-0 win. Walkerton had chances to tie it up with the forwards hitting the post a handful of times, but were unable to bury the tying goal. Keeper Ryan Hinsperger kept Walkerton in the game with amazing saves.
The Capitals second game of the tournament saw them taking on the Cambridge Hawks Red team. Walkerton opened the scoring early and never looked back in a 6-1 win. Goals for the Capitals came from Cobi Johnson, Josh Dales, Parker Elphick, Lucas Bester, Cody McIntyre and Jake Zettler. Assists by Ethan Smith, Marlie Pegalo, Dylan Cartwright, Cobi Johnson, Cody McIntyre, Josh Dales (2), Parker Elphick, Ryan Graul, and Andrew Al. Goalie Ryan Hinperger made it on the score sheet with his first assist of the season with a great heads up play to get the puck up the ice.
Walkertons last game of round robin was Saturday morning against the St Catherine’s Warriors. Again Walkerton scored early and never let up the rest of the game with a commanding 6-0 win. Ryan Hinsperger earned his second shutout of the season and another assist for the Capitals outstanding goalie. Scotty McTeer started the scoring with a rocket of a shot from the point, assisted by Josh Dales who would record a 4 point game. Walkertons other goal scorers for the game were Marlie Pegalo, Josh Dales, Jake Zettler, Cobi Johnson, and Ryan Graul. Assists for the Capitals were from Cody McIntyre, Parker Elphick, Lucas Bester(2), Marlie Pegalo, Jake Zettler
The Capitals two wins and one lose would put them up again the Kitchener Jr Ranger White team again in a close and exciting semi-final game. Kitchener took a 3-0 lead in the first period, but Walkerton battled back to within one goal with great goals from Josh Dales and another point shot from Scott McTeer. Walkerton kept the pressure on the Kitchener team, but was unable to tie up the game and would end up with a 3-2 lose.
The Capital team showed great teamwork and hustle throughout the entire weekend, the kids never gave up and received positive comments from coaches and parents from opposing teams.
Walkerton would like to thank the Preston International Tournament executive for putting on a great tournament and would like to congratulate the Kitchener Jr Ranger Blue team for winning the championship game.
See you at the rink! Go Capitals!!