2017-2018 U11 - Minor Bantam | Nov 06, 2017 | Roy Sidnell | 2178 views
Guelph Gryphons are Silver Stick Finalists
A grueling weekend culminated in a terrific Silver Stick Finalist in Owen Sound.
The two hour drive from Guelph to the tournament site proved fruitful for the Minor Bantam A squad.
As 'luck' would have it, Guelph got by Centre Wellington 2-0 before skating by the Grimsby Kings 5-2 on Friday, raising the stakes with the Whitby Wildcats for first in Pool B.
Guelph's commitment to physical play proved successful as the Gryphons walked past the Wildcats 2-1, securing first in the Pool and a quarter-finals match-up with the Ajax Knights. Again, Guelph flexed their muscle, winning 5-2.
Behind superb goaltending from David Bennett and Rowan Boothe, the semi-final match-up was set with rival Centre Wellington.
The Minor Bantam A squad, using a Fusion of 'luck', talent and hard-work, again beat their enemies to the north, with a 1-0 win, and a chance at the Silver Stick title against the London Mustangs.
Through five games the Gryphons were undefeated, and their reward to the commitment they had shown were fatigue, bruises and soreness. As time waned against the Purple Horses, the Gryphons found themselves on the wrong side of the score for the first time all weekend, losing 1-0. It seemed, for the first time in the tournament, luck had played a part.
A big shout-out to all the players, Head Coach Vincent Brisbin & Trainer Gerrit Stam as their focus and commitment never wavered. They can proudly say they left nothing on the ice. The effort from Coach Greg Wand to make the trek for the Finals did not go unnoticed either. Finally, thank you to all the parents' for making this a memorable weekend.