Sep 26, 2016 | Shawn Phibbs | 2687 views
Mustangs White PeeWee's Start Season in Winning Fashion
The London Jr Mustangs PeeWee White got their season off in fine fashion winning the Ajax Break the Ice Tournament September 9-11th, 2016.
Although just back to school, the team got a much needed Friday off and put their first afternoon together as a team to good use, recording a win and a tie. The line of Josh and Zach D'Alessando and Garrett Phibbs hit the ice flying in Game 1 vs Clarington, scoring 4 of the first 5 goals, all netted by Josh. All three lines had multiple chances and the team defense was excellent. Jarrett Humphries, Ty Weetman and Jaden Reyers rounded out the scoring. Bradley Roff posted the first W of the season in goal as Mustangs went on to win 7-1.
Buoyed by the confidence of their afternoon win, the team lined up to play the Host in Game 2. Things didn't come quite as easily as they did in the afternoon if you were looking at the morning scores. A determined Ajax team would not back down. Zach D'Alessandro opened the scoring mid-way through the 2nd. The lead was short lived as Ajax evened the game less than 2 minutes later. That was all the offense either team could muster in a 1-1 Tie. Matt Leff was strong between the pipes in his Mustang debut.
On Saturday morning, the Mustangs (1-0-1) faced Pool leader Barrie (2-0-0). With a win, the team would secure 1st place and move directly to the Semi Final. Anything less and a potential afternoon qualifying game loomed. The Mustangs were a determined bunch and played an excellent back and forth game. Jaden Reyers power play goal from Jarrett Humphries and Mason Crosbie late in the second, proved to be the eventual winner. Bradley Roff made several game savers in the third, including a left pad save on a cross crease pass with Barrie's goalie on the bench and less than 20 seconds remaining to preserve his shutout.
The Semi Final was a rematch with Clarington. The boys put the lesson learned on Friday to use and did not take their opponent for granted. Good thing, as Clarington played a physical and persistent game. Another power play goal, this one top shelf by Ty Weetman on a great set up pass from Justin Zirul, put the Stangs up early in the 2nd. Matt Leff made several key saves in the middle frame with the game still in doubt. Josh D'Alessandro and Justin Zirul scored 1:10 apart early in the third forcing Clarington into a Timeout. The Mustangs consistent play and commitment to the game plan kept their opponent at bay. Cohen McQueen, Ethan Hoskin, Jackson Teixeira, Tyler Taplay, Nick Metron and Will Dykstra all played another solid game on D producing a second consecutive shutout for the team. Two more late goals from Zach D'Alessandro and Jaden Reyers rounded out the scoring. Mustangs White was on to the Final with a 5-0 win.
Waiting to greet them on Sunday morning were the Barrie Colts. The two evenly matched teams played an exciting round robin game the day before. There was no doubt this final would be a great hockey game. Mustangs jumped off to a quick start and held an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Josh D'Alessandro. Barrie responded less than a minute later though, the teams were knotted at 1 after 1. Barrie took the lead early in the 2nd when one of their forwards was able to sneak behind the Mustangs D. Brayden Youden-Richard, drove hard to the net and tied the game with his first of the season. The centering pass from Ty Weetman bounced off Braydens right hand, left knee, left shin and slid across the line as he tangled with the Barrie D. The hard work paid off and after a referee conference, the goal was good. Less than a minute later Jaden Reyers put the Mustangs back in front. Once again, the lead was short lived as Barrie scored 2 minutes later and the game was tied again, 3-3 after 2. It is difficult to beat a good team twice in one weekend and there is no question Barrie was proving to be just that. An excellent extra effort from Jarrett Humphries on the forecheck 16 seconds into the third put the Stangs back in front as he buried the puck with a great shot high to the short side. Barrie pressed but the Mustangs were equal to the task. Nick Metron was able to hit the target from long distance with the Barrie goalie on the bench. The Empty netter sealed the deal 5-3. All that was left to do was run the final 21 seconds off the clock and enjoy the Celebration.
Great results, great weekend. Lots to learn and improve on. Lots of good things happening both on and off the Ice.