The Kitchener Jr. Rangers Novice White team are the Novice
AE Guelph PowerPlay Champions!! The boys
played some of their best hockey of the year by committing themselves to
working as a team, controlling the play at both ends of the ice and winning puck
battles.
The enthusiasm in the dressing room was evident from game one and the boys understood what they needed to do to ensure they played on Sunday. The boys committed themselves to playing every game like a championship game, keeping with our usual motto’s of “Every Shift, Every Play and Every Game” and “Control the Puck, Control the Game”. They even added a new one, looking at their teammates saying “I will work hard for you”.
The boys were dominate in round robin play, coming out hard at the beginning of the each game to take early leads and shutting down any momentum the opposing team tried to generate. Passing and puck control, which has been a huge focus in practices, really came alive. Forwards and defenseman worked hard defensively and offensively and our goalies were always ready and made some great saves.
The boys were pumped in the dressing room prior to the final game, against the Peterborough Petes, with many of the players joining in the pre-game chants and shouting out team phrases that had become common place in the previous five games. After the first few shifts of the game we knew the boys were fatigued, but they persevered. With the game tied at 1 goal apiece in the third period the boys scored two goals a minute and a half apart to take a 3-1 lead. The Pete’s did not give up for the remaining 5 minutes but the boys held them off for their first championship of the year.
This past weekend the Novice Whites showed up and gave us all a glimpse of what they are capable of and the potential that we know lies within. We are truly enjoying watching this team grow and we are very proud of you all. Congratulations boys!!!