AL - U12 AL | Nov 10, 2025 | Warren Kurt | 30 views
Tournament Champions
The U12 Gryphons headed to Alliston and Innisfil for their first tournament of the season. Most of the other team - from the GTA - appeared to be formidable foes, and this was the case. The Gryphons were up for the challenge.
The coach (me) got off to an early slow start thanks to me messing up the pre-game timing, but the players adapted well and hit their stride early.
Two 3-1 wins on Friday left the team feeling very good. A 1-1 tie on Saturday clinched a spot in the semi-finals.
The semis was a close battle and Guelph's early 2-0 lead was the first time their opponent played from behind all tournament, and the 2 goals were more than what they had given up in the tournament to that point. Port Credit scored to bring them to 2-1 and they brought a lot of pressure. Our players withstood the attack, and ended it with an empty net goal. Then they got another one late, winning 4-1.
The championship game was against Meadowvale, also undefeated and also had given up only 1 goal in the tournament. Meadowvale was the strongest opponent, and their patient play and their pressure were a real challenge, but our guys kept grinding.
As it had been all weekend, our goaltending performance ranged from great to unbelievable at times. Our defence suffocated all of our opponents, and our captain, Declan, beat their top player twice on 1-1 battles to the net.
Regulation ended with a 0-0 score. The 5 minute 3 on 3 overtime featured a lot more offensive play by the Gryphons, who had more chances in OT. There were incredible plays at both ends of the ice, but no one could score.
In the 3-player shootout to follow, Oscar led off with a goal and 1-0 advantage, but Meadowvale tied it up with the second player. The third shooter, Lucas, showed off his silky mitts and buried the biscuit, while our goalie, Escher, beat their shooter for the win.
The Guelph goalies were the better tendie in all 5 games we played, and their play was outstanding.
The defence were stifling and won some big battles.
The forwards worked so well together with their passing and pressure - offensively and defensively - and scored timely goals.
The Gryphons were the deepest and most balanced team of the tournament. Key contributions came from everyone. Their energy was infectious and their commitment to each other was wonderful to witness.