Midget AA claimed the International Silver Stick Championship this past weekend in Sarnia. After suffering only their 2nd game loss this season in the regional qualifier in Stratford, the strength of the team was recognized with an invitation to Internationals.
Here they were determined to meet their goals of a championship win. Game 1 vs. Chicago saw this being challenged with a late goal scored against the team, giving the them a loss to start the tournament.
They then took control of their next games winning 3-1 over Ajax Knights (MHR#3) and Gulf Coast Flames (Tampa Bay) 4-2 leading them into the semi's on Sunday. This was a game the boys looked forward to all season long, it was the battle of the two top teams in Ontario, LJK vs Ted Reeve Thunder. A testament to this team's determination, they were down 2-1 with 1 minute left in the game and the goalie raced to the bench. With 46 seconds to go, Jared Caldarozzi scores on the rebound sending us to overtime. Thirty seconds of 3 on 3 sudden death OT and Bradley Gibbon puts the game winner in sending LJK to the finals!!
The final game was a rematch against Chicago and LJK scored three goals quickly and never looked back, taking the final game 3-0.
This team was also awarded the John Slobodnik Memorial Award for the Midget team with the least penalty minutes throughout the North American Silver Stick Finals, and the Lyle Kirk Memorial Award for displaying honorable qualities of good discipline, attitude, ability, conduct, and good sportsmanship.
A huge, resounding thank you to John Caldarozzi, (who's idea was this anyway), Jamie Hartley, Darrell Hunter, and Ed Thompson for all their tireless work to give everything these boys have worked hard to earn.
For most of these boys, it's their last year of minor hockey, their goals are lofty and their drive matches to bring this a season of accomplishments for all to remember.
This is a group for all to be proud of to have the senior year of LJK represented by, and will now have the team's name proudly represented at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Lyle Kirk Memorial Award
Awarded to the team displaying the honourable qualities of good discipline, attitude, ability, and conduct as well as general all around good sportsmanship.
John Slobodnik Memorial Award
Awarded to the team with the least penalty minutes throughout the North American Silver Stick tournament.
