When it comes to hockey, any sport really, there are good games, some not-so-good games and then there are
edge-of-your-seat, nail bitting, amazing games! In Cayuga I watched, and I’m sure every Rocket fan in the stands would agree with me,
an AMAZING game! At a one day tournament in Cayuga on January 9th Delhi Rockets Atom LL 3 faced off against Pelham for our first game. The first two periods were hard fought, going back and forth on the scoreboard until we popped a few quick goals in their net in the third period, after that the momentum shifted in our favour, scoring three more times to seal our first win.
The kids were pumped and ready for round two not realizing they were versing Hagersville, a team that has been on a winning streak all season. When the puck dropped I didn’t know I would be witnessing one of the best hockey games I have ever seen. Both teams played hard, every kid on the ice was there to play hockey and win, it brought an energy to the stands that was alive and fun. The intensity? High.
For three periods we watched the players battle it out in-front of both nets, going back and forth in a well matched game. Rocket fans held their breath as a battle for the puck began in front of our net that was a tangle of arms, legs and sticks waiting eagerly for a whistle. There was a unanimous sigh of relief when one of our players popped the puck out into open ice, bless him whoever he was! :) After three nail bitting periods the game ended in a tie. If we thought our anxiety would lessen any time soon, we were mistaken.
Overtime started with 5 on 5 for five minutes, the play once again going back and forth, both teams getting opportunities for sudden death. Those five minutes felt like five years yet at the same time five seconds. When the buzzer sounded both teams went to 4 on 4 for one minute, eliminating one player each minute until each team had one player left on the ice. So much pressure for these two kids that have already played their hearts out, but our team captain, Aidan Weiler stayed focused and calm, as he closed out the last minute of overtime taking us to a tie breaking shootout.
One at a time a player from each team lined up on the red line challenging the goalies in another sudden death match up. First shooters, both teams - score. Second, third and fourth shooters, both teams - saved. Fifth shooter, our team - SCORE, their team - SAVED by our goalie Zack Wilson! Everyone in the stands and on the bench erupted in cheers and shouts of excitement, gloves went flying through the air, Rocket players rushed off the bench to swarmed their goalie celebrating this hard earned victory. They did it. They won. It was only the semi finals, but it was the most exciting game I have ever watched. After playing such a well matched opponent, our kids were in the zone and brought their A game to the finals, winning 3-0 for our second A Championship win of the season. What an exciting day! Thank you Cayuga for hosting a well thought out and organized tournament.
It was a good day to play hockey.
Shooters:
Aidan Ilton - scored
Aidan Weiler - saved
Owen Klassen - saved
Aiden Gordon - saved
Brenden Hare - scored
Way to go Rockets!!
Danielle Klassen
Team Manager