This weekend, Tyke Novice Black enjoyed a unique experience where they received an up-close and personal look at their very own hockey heroes - the Kitchener Rangers!
The adventure began as the team hopped on a chartered bus and headed to the First Ontario Centre in Hamilton - the first ever team bus trip for these up and coming hockey stars! Waiting for us in Hamilton were the Mighty Buffaloes, a 2010 roster select team who came all the way from New York State for a chance to play Tyke Novice Black. Both teams were in awe playing a game at the First Ontario Centre which boasts a seating capacity of over 17,000!
Standing respectfully with our American friends for the national anthems prior to the exhibition game
From start to finish both teams battled hard, but the determination and team play of the Tyke Novice Black won the day, as Kitchener defeated Buffalo 6-1. The exhibition game was over, but the excitement was just getting started. The CHL’s 8th ranked Kitchener Rangers were visiting the CHL’s 9th ranked Hamilton Bulldogs in what promised to be a great game. The boys were not only staying to watch the game, but also had a few perks waiting for them.
With behind the scenes access to the game, the boys were fortunate to mingle with the Kitchener Rangers and get a good look at what an OHL pre-game warm-up looked like.
Right in the action!
Almost game time!
As the Kitchener Rangers took the ice to begin the game, the boys lined up in the hallway, as they would soon be taking the ice as well. We got the word, and the Tyke Novice Black went out in front of a cheering crowd to stand alongside their heroes, the Kitchener Rangers, for the opening ceremonies and the singing of O’ Canada!
Standing shoulder to shoulder with their heroes
The smiles on the boys' faces were contagious and the crowd cheered them on as they enjoyed an experience they will always remember.
After we left the ice, the team went to their seats to enjoy some pizza and slushies as we watched the Rangers mount a miraculous three goal comeback, including stopping a penalty shot with 13 seconds left, to beat the Bulldogs 4-3. Fun and team building ruled the day as Tyke Novice Black headed home on the bus, smiles still beaming.
Such a great opportunity would not have been created for the boys if not for all the behind the scenes work by so many people. The Tyke Novice Black families always put their boys first and do so much to make their player's hockey experience a special one. Thank you, parents, for all you do for our boys!
Sincerely,
Coaches