Jan 13, 2012 | Mark Germann | 1287 views
Novice Reds Stride into 2012
Thanks to our dedicated group of players, we enjoyed a "December to Remember" that brought 2011 & the first half our season together to an exciting conclusion.
The Jr Ranger Novice Reds continued their undefeated run in Alliance East/Central MD league play posting 5 wins and a tie in December on the way to a first place finish at the end of the 2nd round schedule of games.
At the Christmas break, the Reds travelled to Burlington to play in the famous Golden Horseshoe Tournament, which has become the measuring stick for many teams in Ontario & the US. The 25 team Novice AAA bracket put the Jr Rangers in a grouping with Duffield, Halton, Meadowvale & Cental Ontario. On day one, the Reds played both Meadowvale and highly ranked Halton to low scoring ties (2-2, 1-1). Tournament favourite Duffield was the game on day two and in a penalty filled affair, the Reds showed great unity, focus & heart but came up short in a 6-5 loss. Duffield had only 6 goals scored against them the entire round robin. Although the Rangers managed to score late in the third with the goalie pulled, the difference proved to be a contentious penalty shot that was awarded to Duffield on a partial breakaway in the 2nd (you got all puck Q). Playing for pride on day three, the boys mustered an admirable effort in beating the Central Ontario Wolves 5-2. The tie against Halton was significant because it prevented them from moving to the quarters and many had picked them for the final 4. A 1-1-2 tournament record was a decent result considering the level of competition in our group.
With a bit of a quiet start to the 3rd round schedule of games of league play entering January, and the outdoor rinks still waiting for some cold temps, our practices have become the focus of everyone's excitement and energy. The Reds avenged an earlier exhibition loss to the spunky Twin Centre Stars with a convincing 5-2 win on Jan 7th.
Looking ahead, the Jr Rangers will play in the Preston International Tournament in the Novice AAA division next weekend. We're hoping for another opportunity to play some highly competitive teams and continue to find ways to improve individually & as a group.
From the Coaches ... Brendan, Ryan, Tom & Mark ... we wish everyone all the very best for a properous and successful New Year.