The air was crisp, the skates were sharp, and the hunger for victory was palpable as the Durham Crusaders U13 LL Blue team descended upon the ice for their February tournament. What followed was a whirlwind of high-octane hockey, showcasing the grit and skill of this talented squad. From the opening face-off to the final buzzer, the Crusaders proved they were a force to be reckoned with, leaving everything on the ice in a series of unforgettable matchups.
Day One: A Double-Header of Dominance
The tournament kicked off on February 13, 2026, with the Crusaders facing a daunting double-header. First up were the Temiskaming Shores Puckhounds. In a display of offensive prowess and defensive iron, the Crusaders stormed to a 4-2 victory. The third period was particularly electric, with a barrage of goals that left the Puckhounds reeling. Mason B set the tone, finding the back of the net twice, including a clinical finish assisted by Colby P in net. Not to be outdone, Cohen and Alex added their own tallies, the latter coming off a dramatic penalty shot that sealed the win in the dying seconds of the game. The Crusaders’ discipline was tested, but their resolve never wavered as they shut down the Puckhounds’ late-game desperate attacks.
There was little time to celebrate, as the Crusaders were back on the ice just hours later to face the Frontenac Flyers. If the first game was a battle, this was a statement. The Crusaders unleashed an absolute offensive onslaught, dismantling the Flyers in a 9-0 shutout. The scoring was spread across the roster, a testament to the team’s depth and chemistry. Between the pipes, Logan Ribble was a literal brick wall, turning away every shot he faced to secure the clean sheet.
Day Two: Maintaining the Momentum
The momentum carried into Saturday, as the Crusaders prepared for another two-game slate. The morning saw a clash of titans, or rather Crusaders as they faced off against their counterparts, Durham Crusaders Green. This was a classic defensive struggle, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for every inch of ice. Green jumped out to an early lead, scoring in the first 18 seconds followed by another 3 minutes later, putting Blue on their heels. However, with a late penalty by Green in the first, Blue was finally able to get one back. With a little bit of a jump in their step, energized by a later period goal, Blue would head into the second with some momentum. With incredible backchecking by Hamer, and strong body position in front by Kinney, the second period would be the defining moment, with 5 more goals added by Blue. The third period would remain scoreless, with defensive efforts on both sides now locking things down.
As evening fell, the Crusaders took on the Manvers Mustangs. In a game characterized by speed and physical play, the Crusaders once again emerged triumphant with a 4-1 win. As the tournament progressed, chemistry on ice strengthened making the puck movement and effort put forth by the Crusaders difficult to contain. The defense, anchored by the stellar goaltending of Logan Ribble, was nearly impenetrable, allowing only a single goal late in the second period. By the end of day two, the Crusaders were flying high, their confidence soaring as they looked toward the final day of competition finishing round robin play 4-0
Day Three: Semi Final Showdown
The final day of the tournament, brought a high-stakes encounter with the undefeated Kemptville Royals. Both teams knew what was on the line, and the intensity was palpable from the drop of the puck. In what would be the most closely contested game of the weekend, the Crusaders and Royals traded blows in a defensive masterclass. The Royals struck first, but the Crusaders answered back in the third period with a clutch goal from Mason B, assisted by Ethan C. Despite a furious late-game push and pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, the Crusaders fell just short, dropping a heartbreaker 2-1.
Next Steps
While the final game didn't go their way, the Durham Crusaders U13 LL Blue team should be incredibly proud of their performance. Finishing the tournament with a stellar 4-1 record, they displayed an incredible level of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. This team has come together and improved astronomically since the start of the season. They play a team game and they win and lose together.
As they return to the regular season and prepare for the playoffs, they carry with them, the lessons learned and the fire ignited during this incredible weekend. Lookout playoffs, this Crusader team is on a mission!