The Walkerton Capitals played in the Minto LL Tournament on January 30th in Harriston.  The tournament was using a points based system to decide the group winners.  Points were awarded up to a maximum 10 points per game, 2 points for each period won by a team, 1 point if a period was tied and 4 points for the team that won the game.

GAME 1

 

            The first game was played against The Centre Wellington Fusion.  The Capital tested the Fusion goalie early but he stood tall in the net and covered up on the shots to help prevent rebounds.  The Fusion scored late in the period after a slap shot was deflected high and over our goaltender and into the back of the net.  Walkerton trailed 1-0 and Centre Wellington had 2 points.

 

            The Walkerton bench staff calmed the young players down between periods.  Whatever they said it worked because the Capitals came out strong at the beginning of the second.  A high wrist shot for the hatch mark beat the Fusion net-minder glove side to the game at 1.  The Capitals continued to work hard in the corners and a pass from the corner was steered into the back of the net.  Walkerton lead 2-1 after the second and they were awarded 2 points.

 

            The third period and again Walkerton controlled the tempo of the game.  The defence held the line while in the offensive zone and did a great job in blocking shots and using the boards in the defensive zone.  The forwards were using the passing game to perfection, Walkerton scored midway through the period to increase the lead to 3-1.  Centre Wellington tried to stage a comeback but any shots that made it through to our net were steered harmlessly into the corner or covered up. Walkerton won the game and gained another 2 points for the period win and 4 more for winning the game.  Walkerton tallied 8 of a possible 10 points.

 

GAME 2

 

            Our next game was played at 5:00 p.m. and a win would put us into the B Championship at 6:00 p.m..

 

            The Capitals played a very fast game from the opening puck drop to the final buzzer.  The Capitals scored early in the period and were using the passing game throughout the period to our advantage.

 

            The Blyth Brussels Crusaders were able to pressure the Capitals in the second but excellent goaltending helped preserve a Walkerton lead.  The Capitals scored several times in the period to increase the lead.

 

            The third period had the Capitals tally a few more goals on route to a 11-0 win and a full 10 points.

 

GAME 3 - B CHAMPIONSHIP

 

            The Capitals won a possible 18 of 20 points in the 2 preliminary games and as such would face the Shallow Lake Lakers in the consolation championship. 

 

            The two teams played a hard fought first period.  Shallow Lake scored first after a shot from the face off circle hit the inside of the post and into the back of the net.  Walkerton responded with 2 very quick goals to take the lead and they never looked back.

 

            The second period and the Capitals continued to build on its lead with an early goal.  Walkerton then ran into penalty troubles taking 3 consecutive minor penalties playing 2 men short but during this time only allowed 1 shot on net.  Walkerton turned the tables and scored while short handed. Walkerton lead 4-1 after 2.

 

            The third period and Walkerton was not finished with its scoring, it scored twice more and the team celebrated its 6-1 victory with the celebration on ice as the players all congratulated each other.

 

              Congratulations kids you’re a class act on and off the ice.