Nov 16, 2010 | Jarid Peterson | 316 views
Fall Fest Finalist
Five games in three days is a daunting task for anyone at any age, but defending your home town helps with inspiration and so does playing on the big ice.
The Novice Lady Rangers took to the ice for two games on the opening day of Fall Fest. The girls played tough the first game against the Markham Stars ending in a hard fought 2 - 2 tie, but could not manage enough reserve power in the second against the Toronto Leaside team. Falling 2 -1 the girls seemed weighed down by what appeared to be a buffet of cookies and cupcakes.
An opening day record of 0-1-1 left the Kitchener girls in 6th spot headed into elimination rounds Saturday Afternoon and a second chance to play Toronto Leaside, and these Rangers were ready with heavy defenses. Madelyne opended the scoring with her first goal of the season and that turned out to be the winner as the Rangers shut out Toronto 2-0.
Early the next morning the Ladies were in tough with the evenly matched team from Markham for the second time for the Novice girls semi final. And as in the first game this one went back and forth with aggressive defense on either end. With a late goal the Rangers were able to hold a 1-0 lead which put them for a late afternoon Date in the finals against Sudbury who eliminated Aroura 2-0.
With the Kitchener Memorial Aud buzzing with excitment and only a few empty seats remaining both teams took to the big ice in a terrific show down. Neither teams Blueliners were willing to budge and inch and free skating was few and far between. But on this afternoon in November it was not meant to be for the girls of the Home Town Blue, Sudbury managed two late goals shutting down Kitchener 2-0 to take the gold.
An absolute terrific tournament for all involved every girl played hard, every girl gave their all, and that was reflected in the Hardware each Ranger Lady left with drapped around their neck. Monday morning show and tell was sure a pround moment for one and all the next day.
A special thanks to KMHA staff, volunteers, coaches, family and friends for making the entire weekend memorable and a thriving success for the 17th straight year. Further thanks to the teams from Sudbury, Markham, Toronto, Whitby, Aroura, and Guelph for bringing their top competiton and sportsmanship to our fair city. Hopefully there will always be a next year.