The U12A Gryphons would like to
formally apologize to anybody living near the West End Rec Center. It was not
an earthquake you felt last night around 9p.m., but was in fact an eruption of
cheering that may have shook the foundation of your home as the U12A Gryphons
won the Tri-County Championship, scoring with only 1:48 remaining in overtime!
Facing off against the top seeded
Burlington Eagles in a best of three series, the Gryphons knew they needed to
play their best hockey of the season to win it all! Traveling to Burlington for
game 1, the Gryphons found themselves down 1-0 early in the 2nd
period. They responded by scoring the next 2 goals, but quickly found
themselves tied 2-2 once again. Following one of the best passes of the season,
the Gryphons scored the next goal and held on for a 3-2 victory! This win set
the team up for a chance to win it all on home ice the following night!
With temperatures back below
freezing, it was the Gryphons who had ice in their veins! After the most
inspiring pre-game speech of the season, the Gryphons came ready to play!
Battling hard for 2 periods the score remained 0-0 heading into the 3rd.
With just over 8mins left, Burlington scored the go-ahead goal going up 1-0. Earlier
in the season these Gryphons may have packed it in and decided to focus on a
potential game 3, however that’s no longer the case! Demonstrating true
determination, grit and teamwork the Gryphons battled hard, tying the score with
just over 6mins left, sending the game to sudden death overtime!
Overtime was a back-and-forth affair
that saw big plays and saves from both teams! Neither side giving an inch with
all players leaving everything out on the ice! With the prospect of a shootout
staring both teams in the face, the Gryphons broke into the attacking zone. After
some hard-fought puck winning battles, the Gryphons managed to punch one home,
clinching the championship!!! It may not have been the prettiest goal, but it
most certainly was the best one of the season so far!
The Gryphons would like to thank
Burlington and their fans. The games played were hard fought with great
sportsmanship demonstrated on both sides! The Gryphons would also like to thank
all of their own fans and family for all their support last night and through
the season! It was an amazing atmosphere last night at the West End Rec Center
and your energy and cheering helped make the difference!
These Gryphons now travel to
Whitby for the OMHA Championships starting March 29th where they plan
to continue to represent GMHA and the Gryphons to the best of their abilities!
U12A Gryphons…
Puck goes into the corner…whose
puck?
Puck battle out-front…whose puck?
Race for the puck…whose puck?
We wear it on our jersey, with pride…WHOSE
HOUSE?!?!?!