Long overdue update to all Minor Atom MD Blue sponsors and families!
It’s been a busy start to our 2019/2020 season and the Jr. Rangers Blue have been getting to know each other and playing some great hockey.
Community Give Back
On November 18th, the Jr. Rangers were able to spread some holiday cheer at the KidsAbility Waterloo site. The players were able to get a tour of the facilities and ask questions to understand KidsAbility’s role in the community. After the tour, the Jr. Rangers helped out by decorating this year’s Christmas Tree and presenting their generous donations of gifts. It was a great event and all were proud to be able to help out in the community! Check out the KidsAbility post from November 21st here: https://twitter.com/kidsability?lang=en.
Stratford Early Bird Tournament
The Jr. Rangers Blue kicked of the season with a strong showing at the Stratford Early Bird Tournament. With few teams involved in our division, it was a great opportunity to face the Oakridge Aeros in three games over the three day tournament. During the first two meetings the Jr. Rangers hung on for a 5-3 win and then an exciting come from behind 2-2 tie, with the tying goal scored in the final 20 seconds. All leading up to the Championship game on Sunday vs. Oakridge for the third time. Unfortunately with the score 3-2 in the third, Oakridge was able to pull away in the final frame to win the tournament. A great first showing for the Jr. Rangers Blue though and a great start to the season.
Oktoberfest Tournament
Hosting our first Oktoberfest Tournament, the Jr. Rangers Blue came out flying with a dominant showing in the round robin, grabbing 4 wins and 0 losses…and setting up a showdown with Jr. Rangers Red in the semi-final. After a hard fought game, Jr. Rangers Blue had no choice but to pull the goalie to try to tie the game at 2. With 16 seconds left the fellas were able to tie it up and send the game to Overtime. Again, however, the Jr. Rangers Blue were on the wrong end of a few bounces and fell short. The stage is set for some competitive games against our other Kitchener team for the rest of the year. Should be fun.
Barrie Canadian Tire Classic Tournament
The Jr. Rangers Blue faced a tough challenge in the Barrie Canadian Tire Classic Tournament where they entered the higher ‘A’ Division. The Jr. Rangers Blue exceeded expectations and played up to the level of competition, grabbing 2 wins, a loss, and a tie in the round robin portion of play, good enough for 2nd spot in their pool. The team was able to enjoy their first tournament away from home with some great team events, meals, and games.
The success of the round robin play resulted in an early morning match vs. the hometown Barrie Colts in the semi-finals. Barrie got out ahead early in the game 2-0, before the Jr. Rangers Blue turned on the pressure, getting back in the game at 2-2 heading into the third period. Giving it their all but again not getting a bounce or two when needed, Barrie came out on top. The Jr. Rangers Blue clearly proved they belong in these games and had a great showing!
Will be back with more updates soon heading into Holiday Season!