The 2016-2017 Major Atom AA Jr. Rangers played in their fourth and final tournament of the season...and are now the 2017, 45th Annual, Gene Harrington Invitational Winter Ice Experience Champions!!!
It is hard to put into words the amount of growth that we have seen in this group of boys...and the resulting accomplishments that they have achieved over the course of our four tournaments this season.
Competing each and every shift, gelling at just the right time, and being in a position to win one tournament championship is difficult enough...but to do it in all four...just incredible!
Our dedication to up-tempo, positionally sound, team hockey really paid off over the weekend of January 20-22, where the boys competed in the 45th Annual Gene Harrington Invitational Winter Ice Experience in Niagara Falls / Buffalo, NY.
Finishing the round-robin portion with a 3-0 record vs two teams from the US and one team from Ontario, the Jr. Rangers allowed a total of 2 goals against...while netting 22 goals for.
Playing in the Championship game on Sunday, with a re-match vs a hard-working and persistent Cheektowaga Warriors squad, the Jr. Rangers played a dominant possession game, allowing the Warriors only 12 shots on net...and pulling out a solid, 2-0 championship win!
It may not have completely sunk in just yet...but these boys will someday look back at this season...Kitchener Early Bird Tournament Champions, Kitchener Oktoberfest Tournament Champions, Nations Cup Tournament Champions, and now, Winter Ice Experience Tournament Champions...and appreciate just what an incredible accomplishment this is.. especially in a single season.
Once again, I would like to thank the parent group for their never-ending support and enthusiasm, the coaching staff for their dedication and preparation, and most of all...to this amazing group of players...who never cease to amaze us and continue to make us proud...both on and off the ice.
Congratulations boys! Hold your heads up high, be proud of what you have accomplished, ...and stay classy!
Let's continue this momentum as we head towards the end of our regular season...and into the playoffs!
Cheers!
Coach Tim