Downie Optimist Bantam BB Stratford Aces
The Downie Optimist Bantam BB Stratford Aces came together in a unique way this past season. It started with a group of girls who came from many different hockey backgrounds, and ended with a family. These ladies each brought their own special talents, and abilities to the team. Throughout the season the BB’s knew they would have a challenging season, and lots of road trips ahead of them. As they discovered their loop, they found they would be spending the month of October
without a single home game. Their opponents were from Windsor, Lake Shore, South Point, Lambton, Huron Heat and London. As much as it was not the most ideal situation for driving due to half of the teams being a 3 hour drive to games, it led to a lot of fun road trips with friends, singing along and enjoying each other’s company. Their games during the regular season had many tight scores, and may have broken the Aces record for ties in a
season. The BB’s also had some great tournaments including Pink On the Rink, Guelph where they were defeated in the semi’s, London and their home tournament in Stratford. At Christmas the BB’s took the time to give back to the community by donating items for the Mother’s in our community who seek support from our local Women’s shelter. They were able to join forces with the Minor Peewee Rep Stratford Warriors who contributed gifts for their children. The BB’s best highlight of the season was during their fight for Provincials against Huron Heat. The BB’s
defeated Huron Heat in the first game with their fierce competitive nature. The next game returned to Stratford where the final ended in a tie. Back to Seaforth and the battle was on. These girls devoted every ounce of effort they had. Huron Heat managed to win the game, but due to the tie in points they had to play overtime to figure out who would move on. With 0.01 seconds left on the clock Huron Heat managed to get their ticket to Provincials. The Coaches could not have been prouder of these ladies and the way they stepped up to play this series. A special thank you goes out to our bench Staff Brian Nurse, Ken Dale, Staci Insley, Laury Benson-Longworth and Hilary Reinecker for stepping up to guide this team. To Alanah, Alia, Alyssa, Avery, Kierstyn, Alexis, Kalea, Brooklyn, Jaelyn, Taylor, Zoee, Kyleigh, Addie, Sydney, Emma, and Morgan, thanks for your hard work and the memories of a season I will never forget.
Coach J.T.
Ace of the team - Kierstyn Hart
Most offensive player - Morgan Yantzi
Most defensive player - Alanah McIlroy
Most improved - Jaelyn Meinen
Best sport award - Addisyn Reinecker