This past weekend was annual Source For Sports AAA Hockey Challenge in Brandon. This is big tournament that brings team from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and North Dakota. This was the first year that squirt teams (2010 birthdays) were allowed to take part in the tournament and it proved to be an exciting addition. The Virden Junior Oil Capital Squirt team consisted of 16 kids (14 from Virden and 2 from Oak Lake) ranging in age from 5 - 7. Each game consisted of three 20 minute stop time periods, icing, offside, and full goalie’s, all of which were new for the squirt kids as they had never played games on full ice before. The team consisted of Liam Banga, Avery Braybrook, Carter Brown, Zander Clarke, Rose Cochrane, Recklan Gabrielle, Spencer Gompf, Cardyn Hayward, Colton Koop, Georgia Koop, Easton Pitz, Slade Price, Eric Rampton, Damien Smith-Barre, Carter White, and Dexter White.
Game one of the tournament saw us face Central Plains in the Westman Place Arena. Needless to the say the kids were in awe playing in such a large arena, they came out a little slow and trailed 7-1 after the first. However, after settling down in the second the kids battled back and ended up losing a close 10-7 decision. On Saturday morning, we faced the hometown Brandon team and despite our best efforts we just couldn’t keep pace and ended up with the loss. In our next game we faced the Parkland team and had a back-and-forth battle but ultimately ended up losing 7-4 in what was a really exciting game. Finally, on Sunday morning we once again played the Brandon team and once again the kids played their hearts out and managed to end the first period down a single goal. However, in the final two periods the experience of the Brandon team took over and we just couldn’t keep up. Goal scorers during the weekend were Colton Koop, Zander Clarke, Damien Smith-Barre, Recklan Gabrielle, and Easton Pitz. Our goalies consisted of Carter Brown, Liam Banga, and Cardyn Hayward; and despite minimal experience they did a great job.
Despite the losses it was a hugely successful weekend for the kids and they did the community proud. We sent a team with kids ranging from 5-7 years to play against teams consisting of mostly 7 years olds from much larger area’s and multiple communities and they worked their tails off and learned a lot. I think I can safely say on behalf of all the parents and coaches, we are very proud of each and every one of you and look forward to next year.
Lastly, we would like to thank Virden Ford for their sponsorship, and also a very special thanks to the following grandparents for the generous sponsorship of the team’s custom jersey’s. Bob and Diane Clarke (Zander Clarke), Lorne and Debbie Andrews (Recklan Gabrielle), and Rick and Brenda Smith (Eric Rampton). The kids will cherish these for years to come.
