U13 LL2 Rockets Reach Playoff Round in Bradford
The U13 LL2 Rockets played their best hockey of the season in reaching the Quarter-Finals in the Bradford Blue and Gold Classic on the weekend of December 2-4. After three hard-fought round robin games, the Rockets finished in 8th place of 17 teams to qualify for the playoff rounds.
The first game of the tournament saw Delhi play the Woolwich Wildcats, a team that would finish the round robin undefeated and in third place. After Woolwich opened the scoring early in the first period, Reed Decoutere tied the game with his first goal of the tourney, assisted by Blake Robyn and Roman Sztronga. Woolwich regained the lead just over three minutes into the second, but Delhi responded quickly. Wyatt Steiner tied the game, with assists going to Xander Van Gaal and Lucas Lesage. The third period was scoreless and the game ended in a 2-2 tie. Delhi's Player of the Game was Priscilla Lindsay for her tremendous defensive play.
Game two saw the Rockets face the Thornton Tigers. After a scoreless first period, Thornton took the lead half-way through the second. The lead didn't last long as Reed scored to tie the game, assisted by Landon Farrow. David Whitehead then scored an unassisted goal to give Delhi a 2-1 lead. In the third, David scored his second of the game, with assists to Ben Blizman and Reed, to make the final score 3-1. David received the Player of the Game for his two-goal performance.
The third game saw Delhi fall to the West London Hawks 5-0. Although the team failed to score, they continued to play hard and shut down West London's offense in the third period. It was this focus on defense that enabled the Rockets to finish in eighth place. One more goal allowed would have seen them drop into ninth place. Player of the Game for his back-checking efforts was Wyatt Steiner.
In the Quarter-Finals, Delhi faced off against the number one seed Rayside Balfour Wildcats, who came into the game having outscored their opposition in the tournament 20-0. Delhi played their hearts out and never gave up but dropped the contest 3-0. Goalie Hunter Smith was the Rockets' Player of the Game as his big saves kept the team in the game until the final whistle.
Delhi's tournament Most Valuable Player was Chase Horton. His defensive stand against the opposition's best forwards was an asset throughout the entire tournament. Chase continues to prove that he can handle any opponent at any given time.
Good job, Rockets, on a excellent tournament.