The Wolfpack Bantam LL1 headed south of the border for the 47th Annual Gene Harrington Falls Classic held in Niagara Falls New York. The adventure started with a solid 5-3 victory at the outdoor Riverside twin rink complex and set the stage for a great weekend of hockey. In game 2 the team built on the earlier success in a close battle and came away with a 2-1 win. Headed into our 3rd match up, 2 undefeated teams playing for 1st place in the division, the players showed they had what it takes to be competitors working hard through a seesaw game where both teams took turns leading until
our Wolfpack broke through to go up 6-4 and held on for their 3rd straight victory and 1st place. The stage was set for the championship game.
After a team party and a few fun games Saturday night the players packed it in early to prepare for the Sunday morning final. This game did not disappoint as both teams skated hard to try and open up a gap but after 3 periods of play the score was deadlocked 2-2. Then things got interesting. Period 4 placed 5 on 5 skaters to break the tie, onto period 5 with 4 on 4 and no goal again. The players were focused and determined get the win in the 6th period at 3 on 3 fighting their way up and down the ice with numerous chances at both ends but the goalies denied even our best efforts. 6 periods of play complete but still deadlocked 2-2.
Period 7 was an unusual format where teams went back to 5 on 5 but no goalies. Each coach selected their best guess at who could get that final elusive goal and take the championship home. The puck drop was fast as was the win back to Haydon S who patiently lined up a shot from centre ice and 13 seconds into the 4th overtime claimed the championship for the Wolfpack!
All and all a great tournament that showed our team being just that, a team on and off the ice, with the results to prove it. Great job by all and huge thanks to all the families for getting our kids to the various rinks on time and ready to play. 1 special thanks to Dylan D who came dressed as our team mascot leading the cheers to victory every game.