The Novice AA Gryphons were proud participants
in Guelph’s annual Powerplay tournament this past weekend.
The Novice AAs opened up their tournament competition with a decisive 6 – 2 win over the Peterborough Petes. Nicco S impressed with a 5 goal performance while Sawyer S chipped in a solo marker. Luca R and Nate M contributed multiple helpers to assist in the Gryphon offence. Tyson MB sparkled in the Gryphon goal, and Tyson D and Wyatt M made several key defensive plays on the Gryphon blueline.
Next up for the Gryphons was the Northumberland Winterhawks. The Novice AAs earned a 5 – 1 result with goals coming from Gage T (2), Sawyer S, Nicco S and Evan P. Nate M, Wyatt M, Auguste T, Colin C and Avery S earned assists on the day while several impressive defensive contributions came from Ryan M and Parker W. Finn P was stellar in the Gryphon goal, making the victory a total team effort.
Saturday morning saw the Gryphons take on the Belle River Canadians. Once again, Nicco S was all over the scoresheet with 2 tallies while Greg F had the other, and the Gryphons earned a 3 – 2 victory. Tyson MB made several key saves late in the game to ensure the victory. Wyatt M, Ryan M and Sawyer S earned assists, and Tyson D and Wyatt M were once again a very solid tandem on the Gryphon blueline.
Round robin play concluded on Saturday afternoon with a tilt against the Clarington Toros. Greg F sparked the Gryphon effort with a goal and an assist in the first shift of the game. Lucas S and Gage T had singles and the Gryphons earned a hard fought 3 – 3 tie.
The Novice AA Gryphons concluded round robin play with a record of 3 - 0 – 1, good enough for second place in their pool and a birth in the semifinals.
The Gryphons drew the tough Canadians in the semis and rose to the challenge. The Gryphons limited the Belle River attack for most of the game thanks to some stellar defense from Luca R, Ryan M, and Evan P, and some impressive goaltending from Tyson MB. Offensively, the Gryphons were again paced by Nicco S and his 3 goal effort. Greg F added an empty netter and the Gryphons won 4 – 2, advancing to the championship game.
In the finals, these Gryphons were an incredibly focused and tenacious bunch. Clarington was never able to mount a significant threat against the stifling Gryphon D. Finn P earned the shutout, Nicco S (2), and Auguste T provided the scoring, and the Gryphons earned the championship victory in decisive fashion, winning 3 – 0.
The championship was the result an impressive team effort. However, a special note of recognition must be extended to Nicco S whose incredible play this weekend earned him an amazing 13 goals in 6 games.
The Novice AA Gryphons would like to thank their parents and other supporters who filled the rinks to cheer them on all weekend. Your support was amazing and very much appreciated.
These Gryphons will return to TriCounty competition on Wednesday night when they host the Halton Hills Thunder.