Nov 02, 2023 | Jennifer LeLievre | 405 views
The Crusaders Milk Tournament News Commentary
Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your seats because we're about to dive headfirst into a whirlwind of U13 Rep hockey action that'll have you on the edge of your seat! This past weekend, the Prince Edward County Milk Tournament witnessed three days of electrifying, heart-pounding clashes on the ice. And let me tell you, this team just keeps getting better with every game they play!
Picture this: The parents in the stands were bursting with pride, their voices ringing out with cheers, as our fearless Crusaders faced off against the top-dog team heading into the semi-finals.
Game one kicked off against the Cornwall Colts in a thrilling showdown on Friday morning. These youngsters, full of vigor and determination, hit the ice with a vengeance. What followed was nothing short of spectacular, with slick offensive moves and rock-solid defence leading to a resounding victory. Crusaders roared past the Colts, securing a triumphant 6-2 win!
Fast forward to game two, later that same day, where the Crusaders squared off against the Parry Sound Shamrocks. After a well-deserved rest, our team maintained their momentum and left it all on the ice. A gritty, gutsy performance ended with the Crusaders triumphing 3-1. Exhausted but ecstatic, they celebrated their victory over dinner, forging bonds that will last a lifetime.
Bright and early on Saturday, the Crusaders faced their ultimate test, taking on the undefeated Midland Centennials. This was a heavyweight battle if I've ever seen one. The Crusaders strapped on their skates, ready to make a statement. They went head-to-head with the Centennials, showing the world they were no pushovers. Though the Centennials claimed the game 3-0, it was far from an easy victory, given their previous 10-0 and 9-0 blowouts. The Crusaders sent a loud and clear message to future opponents: they're here to fight!
Then came another long day, with a quarter-final matchup against the Brampton 45's. Despite a shaky start with the 45's getting the first goal, our Crusaders stormed back, taking control, and cruising to a 6-1 victory. They left the ice with their heads held high, ready to tackle the semi-finals.
On Day 3 of the Milk Tournament, our Crusaders, well-rested and pumped up, faced the Midland Centennials again in the semi-finals. The Centennials had an unblemished record with zero goals against them, but the Crusaders were determined to shatter that perception. The clash was nothing short of spectacular, with both sets of parents on the edge of their seats. The Centennials struck first, and it seemed like they might be on their way to another shutout. But, the Crusaders had other plans. They broke the Centennials' shutout streak with a stunning goal that left parents leaping out of their seats.
The game became a battle for the ages, with Crusaders refusing to back down. Every inch of ice was contested, and the Crusaders continually pushed back, closing the gap. Although they fell short with a 3-2 loss, they were the first team to score against the Centennials throughout the entire tournament. The Crusaders showed heart, determination, and an unbreakable spirit.
So, mark your calendars, folks! The Paul Dossey Memorial Tournament November 17th in Bradford is the next stop on the Crusaders' journey, and you can bet they'll be there, ready to deliver another show-stopping performance.
written by parent Leeland Brooks