Novice Reds Run the Table, News, Novice Red, 2011-2012, MD (Kitchener Minor Hockey)

This Team is part of the 2011-2012 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Apr 17, 2012 | Mark Germann | 1538 views
Novice Reds Run the Table
In the final chapter of the Kitchener Jr Rangers Novice Red amazing hockey season, the team won the Alliance Tier 1 Championships this past weekend in Stratford.

    The Jr Rangers carried great momentum into the Alliance Championship tournament after winning their 2 league playoffs series both in 2 game sweeps.  

    In the league semi final series, the Waterloo Ice Wolves provided stiff competition in the early part of both games, but in what had become a Ranger Red calling card throughout the entire year, the team rallied with 3rd period character and energy to fight back and prevail.  The Jr Rangers kept their very best for the league finals against rivals Hamilton Cyclones.  The Reds raised the bar significantly putting together two very complete & convincing wins along with two very solid games in goal by Julian and Dawson.   

    At the 4 team Tier 1 Alliance Championship tournament, host Stratford Warriors, the London Bandits, the Hamilton Cyclones, and the Ranger Reds came together to determine our provincial champion.  The two week layoff from games did not seem to dampen the fire as the Reds opened the tournament with 2 quick wins and a chance for a bye to the final with a round robin win over a Hamilton team with a score to settle and game plan prepared.  After taking a 1-0 lead and holding the Rangers off the score board for most of the game, the Hamilton Cyclones strong defensive style game plan was paying off.  But the boys in blue would not be denied as the 3rd period magic kicked-in striking with two quick goals late in the third to steal the victory.  The upstart Stratford Warriors surprised everyone by knocking off Hamilton in the semi-final game.  Championship Sunday brought another early morning drive west on highway #8 for the 8:30am final but not before giving a classy salute the Novice Whites with the stick arch and a big boost on their way to the ice for their Tier 2 final.  Spunky Stratford held a 1-0 lead after one period until the Reds found their stride.  A 7 goal offensive outburst was the result strong defensive zone play, great puck movement and the Reds "bring the heat" offensive forecheck.  The result was a 7-2 victory, a beautiful trophy for the players, and the first ever Novice Teir 1 Championship Banner for Kitchener which will proudly be displayed in Activa PJD Rink for many years to come.

    The goal and focal point for organization this year was to build our imaginary "Hockey House".   Our house was to start on a solid foundation of how we all exist and interact together, our team rules and codes of conduct.  On top our foundation rise our four key "pillars" : Respect & Sportmanship / Heart, Hardwork & Hustle / Focus & Discipline / Unity & Altruism.  With the pillars cemented in place, we could then build up ... learn about our hockey execution & how the game is played ... develop as responsible, enthusiastic, confident, dedicated young people with the goal of experiencing a great hockey year and the chance to celebrate some victories together.

    Altruism is big word that I learned from microsoft word, which for me, means "team before self".  Many of our players showed great Altruism throughout the year and especially over the final weeks through our playoff run when it really mattered the most, by embracing different roles and positions with very positive attitudes & zero complaints.  We commend those players especially for helping pave the way to the team's huge success on the ice down the stretch.

    I would like to thank the parents for all the things that you do throughout the year to make it easier for the coaches and fun for the players.  Thank you for your very consistent support of the coaching staff and our program.  Thanks to the coaches; Brendan, Kressy & brother Tom.  Our hockey dynamic & interaction together was awesome & you made it fun.   Thank you to the players for all your efforts in building our hockey house congratulations on a very successful year.  Thank you for the truly fantastic memories that we now all share.

Have a great summer and all the very best in your future hockey endevours.

Coach Mark