Pink the
Rink
Over the weekend the Taylor Fluid Systems Peewee C Stratford Aces
participated in the annual Pink the Rink tournament in Etobicoke, Ontario.
The Aces opened the competition against the Lambeth Lancers, a team that had suffered a defeat at the hands of the Aces during regular season action earlier in the week.
The Lancers came out with determined energy and the young Aces quickly found themselves on the defensive. Ave Neumeister made several key saves as the Aces weathered the early storm until two quick goals by Laura Sheldon and Stephanie Tsaltas helped the Aces gain momentum in the final minutes of the first period.
During the second and third periods, the Aces effectively executed their game plan, making good use of hard passing and relentless puck pursuit.
Taylor Neeb, Avery Faulhafer, Kylie Fitfield and Alanah McIlroy each added a goal as the Aces took the opening game of the tournament 6-0.
In game two the Aces faced off against the Kanata Rangers. These two evenly matched teams battled hard, but in the end goals from Neeb and Fitfield were enough to edge the Rangers 2-1 and give the Aces their second victory of the tournament.
Game three against the Nepean Wildcats was an all out grind from puck drop to the final buzzer. Scoring chances were limited by the superb play of the defenses. The Wildcats capitalized on the man advantage mid-way through the second to score the only goal of the game, handing the Aces their first loss of the weekend.
With a record of 2-1, the stage was set for the first elimination game against the Kanata Rangers. The Aces came out hard and fast, but the Rangers were prepared to match their intensity. Two goals in the first gave the Rangers the early advantage but the Aces seemed unfazed by the deficit. The Aces had multiple chances in the second and third periods as they swarmed the net, bombarding the Rangers’ net-minder with shot after shot, but each time they were turned away. Two more goals by the Rangers extended their lead and as the final seconds of the game played out, Aces’ coaches and parents looked on with pride. The Peewees had played a complete game, start to finish and no one could question their work ethic, their unselfish play or their total team effort.
Well done girls! You represented your team, and the Aces organization with heart. And that’s a win in my books every time.
E. Wheal