The Perth Auto Dismantlers Novice B Aces were in Woodstock
this past weekend to defend their championship from last year’s tournament. The Aces were up against some very stiff competition
but have been steadily progressing in their team play ahead of the tournament.
The first game the girls were up against home town Woodstock Wildcats. Emersyn
Miller opened the scoring half way through the first period on an unassisted
play. Teresa Schuster scored in the second period with an assist from Miller
and Eve Binns. To go with her assist, Binns sniped two goals with assists from
Miller and Keira Blain for the win. Game MVP went to Emersyn Miller.
The second game was against the Oshawa Lady Generals, and the Aces came out flying scoring three goals in the first period from Emma Van Nes, Miller, and Binns (who scored again in the third). Assists came from Blain (3), Linley Porter, Schuster (2), Claire Donnelly, and Miller. Chloe Rison made several key saves earning her a shutout and Jayda Houben was key at forward providing great support for the defence and creating several scoring opportunities. Game MVP went to Emma Van Nes.
The third game was against the Mooretown Lady Flags. This early morning tilt was tough for both teams (and parents) as the temperature inside the arena was extremely cold. Both teams persevered and the Aces came out on top for their third win in the tournament. Goals were scored by Binns, Miller (3) and Van Nes. Assists were provided by Miller, Binns and Blain. In this game, defence by Krista McMahon and Niamh Appel played a pivotal role not allowing the Lady Flags to create many offensive opportunities. Game MVP went to Chloe Rison.
The last game of round robin had the Aces against South Huron Sabres whom they play in the regular season and have yet to find a victory against them. Chloe Schultz had several great scoring opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net. Unfortunately, the Sabres continued their winning ways against the Aces earning the victory. Because of the hard work leading up to this game it was irrelevant as both teams were going to meet again in the finals on Sunday. Game MVP went to Keira Blain.
After losing the night before, the Novice B’s were ready for some redemption. The championship game was truly and display of the top teams going head to head with action happening at both ends of the ice. On this day, the Aces struck first with Miller dangling through the entire Sabres defence and finishing with a beauty goal over the oppositions goalie. The Sabres struck next with a tricky play from behind the Aces net which took an unfortunate bounce on the Aces goalie hitting her in the back of the leg and going in. The third period had lots of opportunities for both teams but nobody could capitalize. Overtime consisted of a three on three battle for victory. It took only one shift for Miller to score top shelf on a pass from Binns for the win. Game MVP went to Emersyn Miller. Coach Tori was quoted after the game saying “Although winning a championship feels good, the commitment and effort provided by each girl towards being a team was the true accomplishment of the weekend!” Congratulations to the Perth Auto Dismantlers Novice B Stratford Aces for successfully defending the Woodstock Wildcats Tournament.
