Brimming with
excitement, members of the Taylor Fluid Systems Peewee C Stratford Aces and the
Dunny’s Source for Sports Atom C Stratford Aces boarded the Cherry Charter bus
at the Rotary Complex Tuesday afternoon; their destination – Budweiser Gardens,
the home of the London Knights and the location for Game One of the Rivalry
series between Canada’s Women’s National Hockey Team and the U.S National
Women’s Hockey Team.
Earlier in the year, Coach Chris had contacted Hockey Canada on a whim to see if there was anything they could do help support an opportunity for the Atoms and the Peewees to experience an elite level Women’s Hockey game. Hockey Canada’s response was almost immediate and overwhelming. Arrangements were made for the two clubs to share an affordable private box with an amazing view of the arena. And if that wasn’t enough, a full hour of ice time was made available prior to the big game for the Aces to organize their own rivalry grudge match.
In the days leading up the big event, Coach Chris and Coach Darcy retreated to Draft Central (a.k.a – The Boar’s Head) to begin the process of drafting a blend of players from both Atoms and Peewees to form two squads that would go head-to-head at Budweiser Gardens. Bragging rights would be on the line as the two Coaches would be competing for the much coveted – not to mention completely fictional - Silver Whistle Cup; a strong, strategic draft was critical to their success. Although much of the drafting process was kept under wraps, it was revealed that all assets were on the table. In fact Coach Darcy even let slip that he tried trading away a member of his staff for a bag of pucks….awkward. After much spirited debate the two coaches agreed upon their respective rosters. All that was left was to get their game face on!
VS 
The inaugural game of the Aces very own Rivalry experience was officiated by the keen-eyed Jamie Taylor (who would officiate completely unbiased) and his trustworthy sidekick, Jake Maverick Taylor.
Katelynn McMahon opened the scoring for Team Helson by sniping one past Peyton Boyles-Keating. Later in the period, Avery Faulhafer, parked on the doorstep, banged home a rebound to increase the lead. Coach Helson looked towards his adversary – Coach Taylor – and made a pre-celebratory motion that suggested the game was in the bag. And that folks proved to be the TSN turning point. Ally Wheal put Team Taylor on the board with a penalty shot and that seemed to turn the momentum. Team Taylor turned up the heat and their aggressive puck pursuit was rewarded when Alanah McIlroy netted the tying goal. Shortly after, McIlroy battled hard for a loose puck and put what proved to be the game winner top shelf over Ava Neumeister.
Afterwards the Aces Family kicked back and enjoyed an exciting game between Team Canada and Team USA. Although the Canadian squad came up short, they represented their country with heart and showed the Aces what dedication to team and hard work can do.
Special thanks to Coach Chris for organizing this amazing event, to Coach Darcy and the rest of the coaching staff for all they do to make hockey a fun experience for our kids, and to the trainers for ensuring their safety.
Thanks to Jaime Neeb for organizing the Cherry bus, it made travel stress-free.
Article by: E. Wheal