Atom A brings home the Fair Play Award, Along with the Silver Medal from Lake Placid!
Atom A brings home
the Fair Play Award, Along with the Silver Medal!
The Atom A team had a fantastic memory filled weekend at
Lake Placid this past weekend. From the
opening ceremonies where 4 kids were able to walk in the Canadian Flag, to dressing
in the 1980’s Team USA Miracle on Ice room, relay and shooting competition,
team dance party and of course coming home with the Silver Medal. More importantly than the Silver Medal was
coming home with Fair Play award as we played 4 games without a single penalty
minute as the boys certainly understand the importance of sportsmanship, and
teamwork.
It was a difficult start to the tournament after a family skate, and opening ceremonies, they took the 1980’s ice immediately after to open the tournament. The Albertville division had 7 teams, with the top 4 playing for medals on Sunday. After being in their equipment for the better part of 90 mins; the boys took the ice against a team from Connecticut and through speed and great passing won the game handily with a 6-0 win. The next morning we were playing at the Olympic Arena from 1932, again a memorable experience, playing York Mills and beating them 8-1.
The next game again a Boston Area Team – Winter Club, was a tough challenge .. After they went up 3-0 after 10 mins, and being extremely physical and hard on the puck .. we aligned ourselves with their game .. Tying it up early in the 3rd and then going ahead, 4-3. They had a lucky short handed goal due to a bouncing puck, but we answered again with our own goal with 4 minutes remaining. Unfortunately with 30 seconds remaining we were unable to hold them off any longer with their goalie pulled, they scored the equalizer.
Our final game of the round robin was on Saturday morning, and knowing we were tied with Winter Club overall, we needed another strong defensive game as the tie breaker was goals against. We played another Boston area team and won again 8-1 .. another great team effort. And most importantly the 1 goal against, was the most we could allow to be ranked #2 and give us a pass into the gold medal game.
The team and families used the afternoon to visit old Olympic sites such as the Bobsled and luge runs, as well as the Olympic museum and Ski Jumps. As well during that afternoon, we had the skills competition where we were well represented in the relay, and the shootout, where Callum Aus was runner up in the Best Shooter category.
The next morning we were back at the 1980’s rink to play for Gold .. We were playing a team from Ontario - Forest Hill, and while competing hard for the entire game, we could not overcome the 3-0 deficit and ended the game with a score of 3-1. While the kids were disappointed, they will never forget the experience. Thanks to the managers and parents for such a wonderful experience.