For those that are not familiar with the Silver Stick, it has a long history dating back to 1956. That's right - 68 years. There are Regional Tournaments all over Canada and the United States and the winner of each tournament moves on to play in the International Silver Stick, which we had the honor of playing in this past weekend in Sarnia.
At the end of November, we won the Regional's in Sudbury and earned the right to move on and compete against all the other tournament winners along with a couple of wild card teams that were deemed to be strong.
Needless to say, the competition in this tournament was tough and talented.
The tourney started on Friday where they beat a team from Colorado, Monarch Coyotes 7-2 and lost 3-2 to our Alliance rivals, London Jr Knights 3-2.
Going into Saturday, the team knew we still were in control of our own destiny. Win two games and move onto Sunday!
To say, the boys responded is an understatement. The Rangers played one of their best, most complete games against a very skilled Arizona Jr Sun Devils, winning 5-0.
In their second game vs Upper York Admirals, and knowing the winner moves onto the semi's, the Rangers battled all game but found themselves down by one going into the 3rd. At the flood the boys had the time to refresh and reflect about what's on the line. The Rangers came out energetic and controlled the 3rd period scoring two and winning 5-4. More importantly secured their spot in a semi-final.
On Sunday, the boys faced off against the second ranked team in Ontario, Mississauga Terriers. The Rangers came out flying and got out to a quick 2-0 lead. However, just as quick they got up, it seemed the Rangers were down 3-2 just as quick.
The Rangers had been in this position before and came out after the flood and tied it up and eventually the game went to 3 on 3 overtime.
The overtime consisted of end to end play and both teams talent level was a thing of beauty. Ultimately, the Rangers depth and fresh legs won the game where Jonathan Rickert scored the winner and set up the finals versus the Mississauga North Stars.
In the finals, the Jr Rangers gave it everything they had and left it on the ice. Unfortunately, the Rangers came up short in a hard bought battle and lost 2-1.
Throughout the weekend, the boys battled ongoing injuries, new injuries, sickness and suspensions. We had boys miss large chunks of games from injuries and had a reliable defender go home with the flu before Saturday's games.
The coaching staff could not be more proud of the boys for their compete, team play and positivity. The boys were dialed in all weekend and being a finalist for an International Silver Stick is quite an accomplishment.
The focus now shifts to league play and gearing up for playoffs and a run at the league title and an opportunity to represent the Alliance at OHF's.
The Rangers only have one league loss and currently sit in 3rd in a very tight and competitive league. The staff believes the boys have learned valuable and important lessons along the way. The team has gelled and tournaments such as this past weekend show the team unity. The Rangers in between bonded with team meals, shut the box, card games and even had the chance to work on their golf game a little !
Keep er' going !!!