From November 15-17 2024, the Durham Crusaders U13 LL Blue Team embarked upon a quest for greatness at the Wasaga Beach Regional Silver Stick Finals.
With a depleted roster including sickness and injury, these Crusaders knew they had to dig in for the next few days. On Friday night they came out strong against a local Elmvale Coyotes Team. Blue opened up the scoring with 2 quick goals in the first period, followed by another 2 in the third. Elmvale couldn’t hold back the push only able to net one of their own, ending in a final score of 4-1. Burleau held strong in net, while the BBB line accounted for all of the goals.
In the second game on a sleepy Saturday morning, the Crusaders had to shake off the weight of the irresistible waffles, whip cream and sausages offered by the hotel breakfast to meet a determined Clearview Canucks team. It was clear the boys in blue were a little slower this morning as Clearview opened up scoring in the first period, followed by another goal in the second period. Down by 2, the Crusaders surged back with a goal of their own in the second followed by two in the third to take the win. Only two B’s or BB were able to light the lamp with a little Glew holding on to a third goal.
In the third game later that day, after a much needed team lunch, the Crusaders faced off against a tough Listowel Cyclones team. The boys in blue once again opened up the scoring (I guess they’re just not morning people…) before Listowel would come back and tie. Both teams would exchange another goal each before the Crusaders pulled ahead 3-2 late in the third. With 4:46 left on the clock the cyclones swirled up into a frenzy of pressure, allowing for their big shooter to unload on net tieing the game. Based on goals against, the Crusaders would need a win to secure first place in their pool, but unfortunately both teams held on to the tie to split the points. This would mean a Crusaders Blue vs Green semi final matchup was imminent.
Early Sunday morning, the Crusaders rallied together to face off against an older, bigger Crusader Green Team. They didn’t let the pressure get to them and created some incredible chances for themselves. With nearly 4 minutes to go in the first period however DC Green would open up the scoring after a second rebound chance found the back of the net. The game would stay close all through the second period and into the third when DC Green would jam home one more making it 2-0 for the bad guys. This DC Blue no-quit attitude continued to shine through however. With the goalie pulled and just over 2 minutes to go, DC Green were on their heels. The pressure was on and with 0:53 on the clock, where the game saw Burkholder gain the zone, make his way deep below the goal line and feed Boesch in the slot from behind the net with a one time pass that was unloaded, going bar down with an echo heard through the arena. The goalie never saw it coming. Facing off at centre, DC Blue would win the draw and gain possession in the opponent's zone. DC Green would win it back and with the goalie pulled, and some desperate attempts by Blue in the final seconds, Green would pot one more for a final score of 3-1.
The coaches are incredibly proud of the team's progress and believe these players are on the brink of something truly special. We want to recognize their hard work, resilience, and accomplishments so far this season. Keep up the great work, Crusaders!