Apr 13, 2022 | Todd Nickel | 207 views
An Ace of a Season!
The Stratford Aces U13C squad wrapped up their fantastic season this past weekend at the OWHA Provincial Championships in Toronto where they bowed out in the quarterfinals Saturday evening in an epic battle against a tough Kemptville team.
The Aces opened the tournament with a 4-4 tie against an eager opponent in the Saugeen Shores Storm. Stratford got on the board in the opening seconds when defenseman Pippa Nyenhuis, on an excellent end to end rush, broke in and buried a hard shot 5 hole to stun the Saugeen crowd. Moments later, Vittoria Brander would put the Aces up 2-0 on a quick strike that found the back of the net after a clean faceoff win by Makinlee Phillips. Saugeen would cut the lead in half at the 3 minute mark of the opening frame, but the Aces would extend their lead to 3-1 early in the second period when Lydia McLaughlin circled out of the corner and fired a rocket over the shoulder of the Storm goalie. Assisting on the goal were Nyenhuis & Leighton Nickel. The Aces would carry their lead until the final moments of the period when a series of unfortunate events would see Saugeen score 3 goals in a span of less than 3 minutes which would see the Storm close out the second period with a 4-3 lead. The Aces would regain their composure and a minute into the third, McLaughlin would tally her second goal of the game to even things up. Nickel and Jessica Lerch would draw the assists. From that point on, the game would remain deadlocked, thanks in part to the strong defensive efforts of partners Brooklyn Finnie & Gianna Nickel. Aces goalie Ivy Hurley-Demers was instrumental in preserving the tie with several key saves in the dying minutes.
Game 2 would see the Aces come out flying and dominate the Cold Creek Comets en route a 7-0 victory. A hattrick by Selena Gethke would highlight the offensive barrage. Additional goals would come from Brinlee Wall, Katie Wheal, Emerie Smith & Lydia McLaughlin. Assists came from McLaughlin (3), Leighton Nickel, Charlee McFarlane, Makinlee Phillips & Wheal. The bulldog effort of the Aces D pairing of Avery Stokes and Jessica Lerch all game were a key ingredient in maintaining the shutout for Ivy Hurley-Demers.
The Aces final round robin game would see them face a strong Kanata squad in a match to decide first place in Pool B. Kanata would open the scoring on a power play goal midway through the first period. They would carry that lead until late in the second when Leighton Nickel scored on a tip while screening the goalie on a shot from Selena Gethke. A yeoman like effort through 2 periods from Aces backstop Ivy Hurley-Demers saw the game knotted at 1-1 heading into the 3rd period with a chance for the Aces to steal a victory. However, it wasn't meant to be as Kanata would tally 4 third period markers to win the game in convincing fashion. Wingers Chloe Pethick and Vittoria Brander were a thorn in the side of the Kanata defense all game with their relentless forecheck and constant pressure. Despite the loss, the battle hardened Aces advanced to the playoff round as the second place finisher in their pool.
The quarterfinal was a back and forth affair with Pool A first place finisher the Kemptville Storm. The Storm would open the scoring 2 minutes into the game on an unlucky bounce in the Aces crease that somehow found it's way into the net. As the first period unfolded, defensemen Brooklyn Finnie & Gianna Nickel would turn aside several attempts by Kemptville to enter the Aces zone. The second period opened with another excellent rush by Pippa Nyenhuis, who broke into the Storm end and unleashed a laser destined for the top corner. Much to her chagrin, the Storm goalies' outstretched blocker got a piece of the shot and it caromed wide. However, at the 7 minute mark, Stratford would pull even on a goal from Leighton Nickel with assists coming from Lydia McLaughlin & Brinlee Wall. In the closing minutes of the second the line of Emerie Smith, Charlee McFarlane & Katie Wheal found themselves buzzing in the Kemptville zone and had several point blank chances, but could not solve the crafty Storm netminder. Aces goaltender Ivy Hurley-Demers was equal to the task and put on a clinic of her own in the final minute of the 2nd turning aside a plethora of Storm chances. In the opening minute of the 3rd period, Kemptville would find a crack in the Aces armor to take a 2-1 lead. The period would continue at a frantic pace, but the calm and poise of Jessica Lerch and Avery Stokes on the Aces defense would keep Kemptville's attack at bay. The Aces would continue to press forward in search of the tying goal and the smoothering forecheck pressure put onto the Storm by forwards Chloe Pethick, Mackinlee Phillips and Vittoria Brander would lead to several quality scoring chances in the frame, but the Kemptville was able to thwart their many efforts. In a late surge with under 2 minutes remaining and the goalie pulled, Selena Gethke would ring a blistering shot off the crossbar that could be heard from the parking lot. Despite a last minute flurry, the Aces could not get a bounce and the Storm were able to ice the game with a goal in the final minute.
It was a fantastic weekend for the girls and they represented our families, the team and the Aces organization with respect and class despite some of their opponents doing the opposite.
The coaches would like to thank the girls for their hard work and dedication this season. This team came a long way in their journey as hockey players this year and should be proud of what they have accomplished. A division championship, a tournament final and earning a berth at Provincials only highlight the many great memories we will take away from the season. Despite a grim outlook in September with question marks surrounding several positions, the girls got right to work, remained determined to improve and climbed the ladder to finish among the best teams in the province. Awesome job ladies! We are so proud!
The coaches would also like to thank the trainers Natalie & Laura, goalie mentor Courtney, on ice helper Hannah, manager Julee, jersey haulers Kurt & Jackee, waterboy Toby, poet laureate Rob and all our parents, grandparents, families and fans who supported us this entire season. As they say, it takes a village... and we certainly proved that this year.
The moments were amazing, but the memories will last a lifetime! Good luck to all the girls in the future hockey and personal endeavors. We expect big things from this group in the future!