U14 AA Brian Steele Early Bird Champions, News (Guelph Minor Hockey Association)

Guelph Gryphons U14 AA Brian Steele Early Bird Champions!!


It's been a long 24 months since we last played in a tournament together and this one did not disappoint.
The U14 AA Gryphs got the tournament started off with a bang beating the Markham Islanders 10-1. Next up on Friday was the early ranked #4 Whitby Wildcats (Blue). The game was back and forth and had multiple penalties called on both sides. The refs didn't realize that we were in a hitting age group. Terrible to say the least. In the end, the Gryphs kept piling on the pressure and took the game 4-3. 
After a fun night in the hotel, the U14 AAs completely dominated the West Mall Lightning 8-1. This all but secured the Gryphs 1st place in the division. Standing in their way was the early ranked #6 Duffield Devils. The Devils opened the scoring early but that didn't last long. After going up by 2 the Devils came back to tie it. But in the end the Gryphs were too much to handle and took 1st place by a score of 6-3.
Sunday morning came quickly as the semis were at 7:45 vs the host team Hillcrest Canadiens. After the 1st period it was still tied 0-0. The Gryphs had opportunity after opportunity but the Hillcrest goalie was on his game. There had to be a break in the gates at some point and that happened 10 mins into the 2nd off a rebound as the Gryphs took the lead. Heading into the 3rd, 1-0, the Gryphs maintained the pressure they had applied all game. That pressure paid off and the flood gates opened. One after another, rebound after rebound, the Gryphs took the game 5-0 and were off to the finals.
In the finals, we found ourselves up against the Duffield Devils again. This game was back and forth and had some great hits. It wasn't until late in the 2nd when Duffield opened up the scoring on their power play. With the parents in the stands and the ones watching the feeds on the chat at home, the nerves were growing. But the Gryphs didn't stop and would bury a rebound to tie the game. Just over a minute later they buried another rebound to take the lead. 8 mins left in the game is a long time to hold a 2-1 lead with back and forth nail biting action. With a last second shot by the Devils going wide, the U14 AA Guelph Gryphons take the final buzzer to win the Brian Steele Tournament!
Going 6-0, outscoring their opponents 35-9, and learning after the game that some of the new players have never won a tournament, was the cap to a great weekend! Starting from the net out, the Gryphs played great all weekend. Some big hits, big goals, and bigger saves they prevailed as Champions! Congratulations to all the players and coaches!