Congratulations to the U13A Guelph
Gryphons who demonstrated true determination in taking home gold at the
Hespeler Early Bird tournament this past weekend!
Although the NHL pre-season kicked
off this weekend, the only puck drop that mattered took place Friday morning as
U13A Gryphons began tournament play against a very tough Hamburg Hawks squad.
While the effort was there, it was only the 2nd opportunity this
year for the team to put into gameplay everything they’ve been working on. As
such, the team from New York was able to capitalize on a few mistakes earning a
3-1 win against your Gryphons.
Looking for their first win of the
season, the Gryphons next played the Toronto Aeros. Finding their scoring touch
in this one, the Gryphons came away with a 4-0 win, setting up an important
game with the Kitchener Rangers. A chance to play in the championship rounds was
on the line. Both teams battled hard with the game ending in a 1-1 tie! The tie
earned the Gryphons a chance to play Hamburg again in the semi-finals.
The game started similar the first
time the teams met with Hamburg jumping out to a 2-0 lead. While the Gryphons
managed to get 1 back, Hamburg quickly answered, going ahead 3-1 with 5 minutes
left in the 2nd. It was at this time that Gryphon pride took over!
Demonstrating determination and a never-quit attitude, a staple of this team, the
Gryphons scored with 3 seconds left in the period. Heading into the 3rd
and carrying momentum, they scored again early on an outstanding individual
effort and then netted their 4th after something the team has been
working on…a pass!!! Holding on for a
4-3 win the Gryphons would play for the championship!
Sunday saw the Gryphons play the
Haldimand River Kings. The first-place team after the round robin. The game was
a battle! The Gryphons managed to score early in the first period in what
proved to be the game winner! With a strong defensive effort and outstanding
goaltending, the Gryphons came out on top, 1-0, earning the title of Hespeler
Early Bird Champions!
Heading into the weekend the team
had goals of improving their team play, learning new systems, not giving the
puck away and most importantly, controlling what you can control, your actions,
attitude and effort! Throughout the weekend the coaching staff saw the team
take positive steps in each of these areas and are extremely proud of these Jr.
Gryphons!
Congratulations U13A Guelph
Gryphons! The real work starts now boys, we’re at 80%…lets get that next 20!