The Stratford Aces Egg Farmers of Ontario Atom BB’s competed in their host tournament this past weekend in Stratford, and found out that hard work, team work and perseverance can take you all the way to Gold.
The Egg Farmers of Ontario Atom BB opened up their tournament bracket up bright and early Friday morning against the Bluewater Hawks. The Aces came out flat and must have left their skating legs still tucked away in their beds, as the Hawks dominated play. The Hawks out-battled the Atom BB’s to loose pucks and minimized scoring chances to leave the Allman with a 3-1 win. Arianna Catalan, Ashley Hodgson and Lauren Gibb had strong games despite the loss. The Aces goal was scored unassisted by Olivia Harding.
Friday afternoon action saw the Atom BB’s play conference rivals Woolwich Wild. The Aces came out ready to play and controlled the play for the entire 32 minutes of action. A complete team effort allowed for 4-0 victory. Goaltender Courtney Lott collected her first shut-out of the tournament. Goals were scored by Lauren Taylor with two, Avery Wildgust, and Harding. Assists were credited to Reese Reinecker, Anna Tigani and Chelsea Savelle. Addison Moir played a strong defensive game to preserve the shut-out.
When the Atom BB’s arrived to the rink for their Saturday afternoon tournament play, they knew that they needed to win out in order to allow a chance for medal play. The Twin Center Hericanes posed a serious challenge and the Aces would need to bring their “A” game. The girls did not disappoint! It was another complete team effort and the Atom BB’s controlled the play for a 3-0 victory. Goals were scored by Taylor, Wildgust, and Jordie Smith with the assists credited to Madison “Maddog” Cardno, Reinecker and Tigani.
Saturday night action saw the Atom BB’s compete against the Markam-Stouffville Stars in another must win game. Despite some tired legs, the girls found a way to grind out a 2-0 victory and a berth in the gold medal final. Goals were scored by Taylor and Harding, with assists credited to Jessie Dietrich with two and Smith.
The gold medal final was a game I think all in attendance will remember for quite some time. The Stratford Aces and Twin Center Hericanes put on a show. The game saw end to end action with incredible plays and saves. When the final buzzer sounded the Aces found themselves holding onto a 2-1 gold medal victory. Lauren Taylor scored both goals for the Aces. All players, coaches, training staff should be commended on an excellent weekend of hockey. Great job Aces!