Players and
supporters patiently waited for the return of hockey and the 2021-2022 season
looked promising. With the challenges of
a disrupted season and short on being battle tested in game play, the U15
Rostered Select team entered the Pickering Spring Thaw Tournament eager to
showcase their skill and determination.
The team started well with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the first game. On the second day, the morning game was a tough 4-3 defeat that tested the team’s resilience and morale. Regrouping during lunch, the team exploded with a resounding 7-1 victory, answering any doubts of their talent and grit. With a strong 5-2 victory in the final round-robin game, the team clinched top-spot and direct entry to the championship game.
The championship game was a classic. Playing against the North Durham Warriors, our team came out on fire, scoring a mere ten seconds in. The sense of accomplishment was short lived as the opponent responded with three unanswered goals. Down 3-1 after the first period, the team would again be tested. They knew much of the game was still to be played.
The second period saw the team demonstrate their will to fight back. They played to their strengths of speed and grit and responded with two goals to tie the game. Momentum was back on our side to start the third period.
In the third, the Warriors seized the lead early, making the score 4-3. There was still time on the clock for the team to fight back. With less than two minutes to play and after relentless pressure from our team, the tying goal was scored. In the waning seconds of the game, our grit and determination were rewarded when a tripping penalty was called against North Durham. Overtime would determine the champion.
Extended time started with a 4 on 3 power play, our team battled our worthy opponents with chance after chance to score. After three minutes of heart-stopping action, our team orchestrated the winning goal. Markham Waxers win the championship 5-4!
