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PeeWee 'AA' Sabres Semi-Finalists at North American Silver Stick Regional Tournament
Over the holidays, the Flamborough Sabres PeeWee 'AA' hockey team competed in the 38th Annual Brampton Silver Stick Hockey Tournament. This prestigious tournament was created in 1963, to promote citizenship and goodwill between teams primarily from Ontario and north central United States . The championship trophy, appropriately a silver stick, is permanently on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The field was tough, with 5 of the top 10 'AA' teams in Ontario competing for the right to represent Central Ontario in the International Silver Stick Finals in Port Huron , Michigan . The Sabres task got harder as they were placed in difficult division, which would require knocking out the #7 and #8 ranked teams in Ontario in order to get to the semi-final round.
The first game was against a familiar regular season opponent – the Guelph Storm. The Sabres came out flying with Bradley Grightmire opening the scoring on a slick feed to the slot from Nicholas Churilla. Flamborough added to the lead when Jesse Havart delivered a great pass setting up a two on one situation to Marcin Sakowicz who fired the puck top shelf where mama hides the cookies for a 2-0 lead. As the Sabres continued to press, defenseman Riley Langford jumped on a scoring opportunity and beat the Storm goaltender to make it 3-0. Grightmire’s second goal of the game made it 4-0. However, Guelph denied Flamborough goaltender J.R. Coleman the shutout with a late goal to make the final score 4-1 Sabres. Flamborough’s Player of the Game was Bradley Grightmire.
With an early morning game versus the #7 ranked Streetsville Tigers the next day, the Sabres couldn’t afford to be sleepy. This highly regarded Greater Toronto Hockey League team was clearly favoured against our small-town representatives, but the boys did Flamborough proud with spirited play and never quit. Streetsville jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and it looked like it might be a long game. But the Sabres got their game together and held off any more scoring from the Tigers. Michael Naccarato’s quick glove robbed a Tiger forward on a breakaway, and the Sabres defense stood tall. However, despite pretty much even shots on goal, Flamborough was unable to break through, and the final score was 2-0 Streetsville. Sabres Player of the Game was Ryan Coles.
The final round robin game was against the Mississauga Braves, the 8th ranked AA team in Ontario , whom the Sabres had faced, and beaten, in a previous tournament. The Braves started strong, and had the Sabres playing defensive hockey for the first half of period 1. But the Sabres withstood the attack, and gradually began playing their game. The first period ended with no score, but the second period was all Sabres. The Braves goaltender had size and filled the net well, but Bradley Grightmire (with the assist to Maverick Mooney) poked a loose puck under his pads for a 1-0 Sabres lead. Then, on a power play, Carson MacRae’s sharp angle shot found the mesh (assisted by Grightmire) – 2-0 Sabres. Mooney then scored with a bullet shot from Havart which finished the scoring attack, and the second period ended with the Sabres enjoying an unexpected 3-0 lead.
In the third period, Flamborough played exceptionally well with the lead. They remained aggressive and created more scoring chances, and just as importantly, kept the powerful Mississauga attack at bay. Their team speed and aggressive forecheck pressured the Braves, and the Sabres defense made their opponent’s forwards pay for every step they took towards Sabres territory. Goaltender Coleman’s spectacular glove save on a Braves breakaway was a highlight of the period. The Sabres needed to win by 3 goals in order to compete in the semi-final game, and they were looking good until the Braves scored shorthanded late in third period. With the score now 3-1, the Sabres needed another goal. With about 2 minutes left in the game and the Braves goaltender on the bench for an extra attacker, Riley Langford got the puck in his own zone. He weaved through Mississauga players until just outside their blue line, where he fired the puck into the empty net for a 4-1 win, and the critical 3 goal margin the Sabres needed to win their division and advance to the semi-final game. Sabres Player of the Game was J.R. Coleman.
Advancing to the final four in the Silver Stick was great, but the Sabres felt they had a chance to go even further. Facing a tough Richmond Hill Stars team, Flamborough started the game playing defense to a strong attack from the Stars. Sabres highlights included defenseman Churilla sprawling to stop a sure goal, but late in the first Richmond Hill got the puck past goaltender Naccarato to make it 1-0.
In the second period despite several chances and pretty much even shots on goal, the Sabres were unable to score and Richmond Hill opened up a 2-0 lead, and then made it 3-0 on a goal which crossed the line right at the buzzer, according to the referee. Early in the third, the Stars made it 4-0 and the Sabres could have folded. But they continued to battle, and were rewarded with several good scoring chances including a shot off the post by Chris Parker. But the puck didn’t bounce for the Flamborough until defenseman Churilla pinched in from the point and fired a shot at the goalie. The rebound kicked off to the side of the net and Ryan Coles, with a quick stick move, beat the Stars goaltender to make the score 4-1. Richmond Hill then added a final goal with 3 seconds left to make the final score 5-1, and eliminate Flamborough from the tournament. Sabres Player of the Game was Nicholas Churilla.
Overall, the Sabres were happy with another successful tournament result. In four tournaments this season, the team has made it to the semi-finals twice and the finals twice. Now the teams focus is a long run within the OMHA playdowns!
PeeWee 'AA' Sabres Strike Gold at North American Fall Championships in Boston
The Flamborough Sabres PeeWee 'AA' hockey team had lots to be thankful for over U.S. Thanksgiving weekend. They took a road trip to Boston for the “North American Fall Championships”, and surprised many in winning the tournament against some tough American competition.
The Sabres, competing against both 'AAA' and 'AA' American teams from New England and New York, found out in their early games that it would take some good hockey to be successful in Boston. They made it through the round robin to the championship game, but were clear underdogs facing the dominant Worcester Crusaders 'AAA' team. These local favourites were ranked 55th in the USA 'AAA' rankings and had cruised undefeated through the competition until that point, including a 7-3 spanking of the Sabres in earlier play.
In the first two periods, Flamborough had to deal with many shorthanded situations, as unpredictable officiating made the Sabres job that much more difficult. The Crusaders broke through first with a goal on a two-man advantage. Sabres goaltender Michael Naccarato and the Flamborough defence were outstanding in holding back the Crusaders potent attack, but Worcester made it 2-0 early in the second period.
Late in the second, the Sabres began their comeback. With the Sabres on a power play and about three minutes left in the period, Brad Grightmire pounced on a rebound off a shot by Maverick Mooney to make it 2-1. Then with just 36 seconds left in the second period and on another power play, Flamborough tied it up. Eric Clutsam’s quick hands got the goal on a rebound off Riley Langford’s booming point shot.
Despite penalty problems through most of the game, Flamborough was tied 2-2 with the 'AAA' Crusaders beginning the third period. This unusually long championship game had 3 fifteen minute periods, and you had the feeling that the Sabres were positioning themselves for an upset win. The Sabres smelled victory and came on strong in the third period. Flamborough’s conditioning came into play as the Sabres speed and forechecking wore down their opponents from Massachussets. This created several good chances including one off the Worcester post, but still the game remained tied late in the game.
The winning goal came with just 5 minutes left in the game. Spencer Ritchie’s point shot was well screened by Sabres forwards in front of the net. The goaltender was able to make the save, but Clutsam found the rebound and, like a true sniper, buried it for a 3-2 Sabres win.
This victory is sweet, because it’s the first tournament win ever for the Flamborough Sabres 97AA age group. For Sabres captain Nicholas Holmes, hoisting the championship trophy was “amazing – especially since we beat a really good 'AAA' team”.
Semi-Final for PeeWee 'AA' Sabres at Tournament of Champions
The Flamborough Sabres PeeWee 'AA' hockey team was poised for tournament success at the Stoney Creek Tournament of Champions November 13-15, but came up just short in the semi-final.
The Sabres had to be on their game right out of the gate, facing the talented Mississauga Braves who were ranked #6 in Ontario. The Sabres were fired up from the opening whistle, and attacked the Braves mercilessly. Despite one of their best periods of hockey this season for the Sabres, the first period ended with no score. In the second period, Mississauga capitalized on the power play for a 1-0 lead. The Sabres bounced back, though, with Eric Clutsam popping one in off the goalie from behind the net. Carson MacRae, with the assist to Nicholas Holmes, added to the Sabres lead with a quick shot that beat the Braves netminder. Flamborough was leading 2-1 going into the third period. With outstanding play from the entire team, and superior goaltending by Michael Naccarato, the Sabres added to the lead in the final frame. After some good work in the offensive zone, Spencer Banting redirected Austin McEneny’s pass for a valuable insurance goal. The game ended 3-1 for the Sabres – and another confidence-building win.
Next up – the Whitby Wildcats. The Sabres were becoming quite familiar with this eastern opponent, ranked #2 in Ontario last year, who they beat 6-2 in the Terriers tournament a few weeks back. This time, the Wildcats were clearly not going to roll over for the Sabres. The game was tight and had no scoring through two periods. Midway through the third, however, the Sabres broke through. Maverick Mooney saw Bradley Grightmire streaking up the middle and put a spectacular breakaway pass to him. With the game on his stick, Grightmire beat the Whitby goalie cleanly with a top shelf wrist shot for the winner. Total team play and exceptional efforts by all the Sabres defencemen (Mattie Adams, Nicholas Churilla, Jesse Havart, Nicholas Holmes, Riley Langford and Spencer Ritchie), combined with a 20-save shutout for J.R. Coleman were keys to the win.
Unbeaten after two games, the Sabres faced the Chatham Maroons. Despite generating lots of pressure, Flamborough was not able to score until late in the first period when Eric Clutsam put away Marcin Sakowicz’s pass from behind the net for a 1-0 lead. However, Chatham played tough and were able to capitalize on a scoring opportunity to tie the game 1-1 in the second period, and then took the lead 2-1 in the third. Things were looking bleak for the Sabres who, despite outshooting the Maroons 35-11, were trailing late in the game. But with 53 seconds to go, and Sabres goalie Naccarato on the bench for an extra attacker, Flamborough tied it up. Langford got the puck out front to McEneny, who fired a snap shot to beat the Chatham netminder. Then, in the most amazing comeback this team has achieved, McEneny’s heroics continued. Ryan Coles put the puck to the net, where Clutsam was able to get it to McEneny, and his quick wrist shot put the Sabres ahead with just 39 seconds left in the game. A devastating loss for the Maroons, but a memorable win for the Sabres.
With a 3 wins, no losses record, the Sabres advanced to the semi-final against the Hamilton Reps, ranked #14 in the province. The Reps came out strong, jumping out to a 2-0 lead early in the first period. But the Sabres bounced back, on a beautiful wrist shot by Sakowicz, assisted by Banting and McEneny. In the second period Hamilton built their lead to 3-1, and despite some great Sabres forechecking, the Reps held a 3-1 lead late into the game. The Sabres showed determination and effort in generating lots of chances late in the third period, but an empty net goal by the Reps sealed their 4-1 semi-final win over Flamborough. The Reps went on to win the championship game as well.
While the Sabres were disappointed that their unblemished record of making it to the championship game of all the tournaments they’ve entered this year ended, overall they represented Flamborough well. The PeeWee 'AA' Sabres stand third in the regular season standings, and look forward next to a cross-border road trip to Boston over the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend to compete in the North American Fall Championships.
PeeWee 'AA' Sabres Bounce Back in Mississauga to Take Silver
The Flamborough Sabres PeeWee 'AA' hockey team was looking for payback Thanksgiving weekend at the Mississauga Terriers hockey tournament. Last year, the Flamborough team was included in this invitation-only tournament, which features some of the top teams in Ontario. As clear underdogs in 2008, the team was on the wrong side of several lopsided scores to their talented rivals and ended with no wins and an early exit. But, given a second chance this year, the surprising Sabres not only competed at this top level tournament, they showed tremendous improvement in taking the silver (finalist) award at the 2009 tourney.
The schedule was tough, beginning with a game against the Whitby Wildcats – ranked #2 in Ontario last year. The Sabres weathered a strong early attack by the Whitby team with strong defence from Matty Adams and some big saves by goaltender J.R. Coleman. The Sabres scored first on a goal by Eric Clutsam, assisted by Marcin Sakowicz and Nicholas Churilla. Later in the first period, they took a 2-0 lead on Chris Parker’s feed to Ryan Coles. The Wildcats clawed back in the second period tying the game at 2-2 and looking for more, but the Sabres didn’t fold. They regained the lead on a great individual effort by Maverick Mooney who outraced the Wildcats defenceman and deked the goalie out of his pads, putting the Sabres up 3-2. Bradley Grightmire followed with a goal assisted by Carson MacRae to solidify the Flamborough lead. Constantly foiled by Sabres defencemen Nicholas Holmes and Riley Langford, the Whitby attack couldn’t recover. The Sabres completed a stunning 6-2 victory with empty net goals by Carson MacRae and Ryan Coles.
The host team Mississauga Terriers were up next. Their current #2 ranking out of all 'AA' teams in the province was a long way up the ranking list from the Sabres #39 position. But the Sabres showed that a team with heart and determination could compete with the big dogs – the Terriers. Early in the game, even strong goaltending by Michael Naccarato couldn’t hold off the dominant Terriers, as they built up a 4-0 lead by the end of the first period. But the Sabres fought back with Eric Clutsam threading a quick pass out front to Ryan Coles, who fired it home. Later in the second period, Bradley Grightmire’s quick release on a pass from behind the net made it 4-2. Bone-crushing hits by Carson MacRae and great work on the boards by Marcin Sakowicz were highlights of the third period, but the game ended as a 4-2 loss. Against the #2 ranked Terriers, though, the result showed how far the Sabres have come since the last time the teams met in 2008.
Next the Sabres faced the Newmarket Redmen. Newmarket jumped out in front early in the first, but after having the Redmen on their heels for an extended time, the Sabres were able to tie the game. Eric Clutsam’s hard shot produced a juicy rebound which Chris Parker pounced on and fired in for a 1-1 tie. Maverick Mooney used his speed to catch Redmen, and laid several big checks on Newmarket players during an outstanding penalty kill early in the second. However, Newmarket’s big, physical team along with unpredictable officiating made it hard for the Sabres to get their momentum going, and the Redmen scored two more goals in the second period to open up a 3-1 lead. In the third, Marcin Sakowicz’s beautiful pass up the middle allowed Maverick Mooney to break free, but a brilliant stop saved a sure goal. In penalty trouble, the Sabres found themselves killing a 5 on 3 power play for Newmarket. Great forechecking by Austin McEneny almost allowed him to score a short-handed goal, and goaltender J.R. Coleman was solid in net to prevent further damage. In the end, though, the bruised Sabres lost a tough game 3-1.
The final round-robin game would determine if the Sabres would advance to the final or not, and their opponent was the Ottawa Sting. Las Vegas might have picked the Ottawa team to win this game, but rankings and stats haven’t caught up with the surprising Sabres. The game started poorly with the Sting scoring less than 10 seconds into the game. With the Sabres shorthanded for a five minute major penalty, Michael Naccarato kept it tight with several consecutive outstanding saves while Bradley Grightmire was an absolute force with effort and hustle in limiting the Sting’s chances. Late in the first period, Nicholas Churilla tied the game 1-1 with a bullet shot that beat the Ottawa goalie. Then, defenceman Spencer Ritchie scored his first AA goal on a blistering slap shot that found the top corner of the net. Sabres lead 2-1. In the second period, the Sting tied the game at 2-2 on the power play. After more great saves by Michael Naccarato in goal during another penalty kill, Ottawa added another goal to open up a 3-2 lead. The Flamborough defence showed its offensive importance once again as the rebound from defenseman Nicholas Churilla’s point shot was knocked in by Ryan Coles to tie it 3-3. The eventual game winning goal was started by the exceptional hustle of Bradley Grightmire, with ferocious back checking that saved a great 2 on 1 chance for Ottawa. With the Sabres quick transition, Maverick Mooney used his speed and rushed it the length of the ice. With the Sabres buzzing around the Sting, defenseman Matty Adams crept into the slot to pounce on the loose puck and rifled it in, scoring the go-ahead 4-3 goal. Late in the game, with Riley Langford blasting bombs from the blue line, Maverick Mooney finished the scoring, finding the twine for a 5-3 Sabres win.
The win over Ottawa put the Sabres in the championship game, once again facing the powerhouse Mississauga Terriers. The Sabres started strong with a great early scoring chance on a hard shot by Nicholas Holmes, which Eric Clutsam almost put behind the Terriers goalie. Then Mississauga showed why it’s ranked #2 in Ontario, with great pressure which required Sabres netminder J.R. Coleman to make a great pad save, followed by a blocker save to foil an attacker in alone. Finally, the Terriers broke through with six minutes left in the first period, and before the period was over they enjoyed a 3-0 lead over the Sabres. Early in the second period, Riley Langford’s blast from the point was redirected by Ryan Coles to put the Sabres on the score board, down 3-1. However, this time the Terriers were just too much and handed the Sabres a convincing 8-1 loss to end the surprising Sabres tournament.
The Sabres received their finalists trophies, disappointed in the loss but proud of their achievement. Maverick Mooney was named the Sabres tournament MVP for his outstanding performance. “Second place in a prestigious tournament like this shows that our boys can compete with the top teams, and the coaching staff is very impressed with their continued improvement and development as a team” summed up head coach David Coleman.
PeeWee 'AA' Sabres Capture Silver at Can-Am Challenge
The Flamborough Sabres PeeWee 'AA' hockey team took on Canadian and cross-border American rivals in a pre-season friendly hockey weekend in St. Catharine’s. Teams from Ontario (Burlington Eagles, St. Catharine’s Falcons & Warriors along with our Flamborough Sabres) and western New York (Amherst Knights ‘AAA’, Buffalo Bisons, Niagara Purple Eagles and Tonawanda Lightning) battled for bragging rights to begin their hockey season. The outcome concluded with the Sabres showing skill and determination in winning silver.
The weekend began with a hard-fought effort that just wasn’t enough to hold off the Amherst Knights AAA team. The Sabres outshot the Knights, and were looking for the win, but Amherst’s forwards made the most of their chances and handed Flamborough a 4-1 loss. Carson MacRae scored Flamborough’s lone goal with assists from Spencer Banting and Nicholas Holmes.
Next the Sabres faced the Tonawanda Lightning in a high-scoring game that began with a Sabres goal by Austin McEneny, and ended 14 goals later with Nicholas Churilla firing a low slap shot through a crowd, beating the Lightning goaltender off a perfect face-off draw early in the overtime period. Along the way, the Sabres twice erased two-goal deficits, with Carson MacRae scoring the game-tying goal with 7:03 left in regulation. Marcin Sakowicz and Carson MacRae had two goals apiece, with a goal and 3 assists from Jesse Havart who was firing rockets from the blue line. The score ended with an 8-7 win in overtime for the Sabres – proving this team won’t quit.
Next up, the undefeated Buffalo Bisons- until they faced the Sabres. The Sabres got on the scoreboard early with Spencer Banting’s breakaway top corner wrist shot. They opened up a 3-1 lead, only for Buffalo to battle back and tie the game 3-3 early in the third period. The Americans had the momentum, but the Sabres had the heart, and their never-quit-attitude lead to a convincing 7-3 win as they showed unselfish play. Chris Parker and Ryan Coles led the Sabres attack with two goals each, but defensive work ethic and transition by the whole hockey team were the differences in the game. Nicholas Churilla with a goal and an assist, and Matthew Adams with two assists, not only helped on the offense board but also shut down some very big, talented Bison players. The Sabres’ goalie, Michael Naccarato, stoned the high-powered Bisons on several early chances, which could have placed the team in a hole early.
The final game of the seeding round was against the Niagara Purple Eagles –who had laid a 9-1 beating on the Sabres in an exhibition game the previous week at Niagara University. This game was different. From the opening face-off, the Sabres were flying and executed the game plan perfectly. It was apparent to the fans that this team had changed from a week earlier. There seem to be a better overall work effort, and system playing then earlier in training camp. With the skating speed of Maverick Mooney and Austin McEneny, and the big physical play of Riley Langford and Bradley Grightmire, the Purple Eagles didn’t know what hit them. Chris Parker led the way with a hat trick, completed on a spectacular give and go passing play with Eric Clutsam. Nicholas Holmes stymied the Niagara forwards time and again, including a goal-saving stick check; Spencer Ritchie fired slick passes to the forwards for good offensive chances. Leading 3-0 to start the third period, the Sabres got into penalty trouble, and had to kill two consecutive 5 on 3 shorthanded situations. The Sabres’ defence, combined with spectacular saves by netminder J.R. Coleman, held strong for a 4-1 win.
A 3 win, 1 loss record gave the Sabres first place in the Canadian division, so they faced the winners of the U.S.A. division, the undefeated Amherst Knights, in the championship game. The Knights came out strong, but Sabres goaltender Michael Naccarato made some key saves early, enabling the Sabres to get their legs. Still down 1-0 in the second period, Nicholas Holmes made a nice stretch pass to Ryan Coles, who tucked it over to Chris Parker just inside the blue line. Chris went in alone and put the puck top shelf for his first of two goals in the game. Down 2-1 in the third period, the Sabres kept battling with Marcin Sakowicz finding himself alone in front of the net. With some slick puck moves, he beat the Amherst goalie to tie the game. The Amherst team capitalized on a 5 minute major penalty late in the game, scoring two goals to make it 4-2. With more penalty trouble, the Sabres successfully killed off a 5-on-3 shorthanded situation in the last few minutes, with Nicholas Churilla acting as second goalie to save a sure goal. After a long weekend of hockey, the Sabres could very well have given up, but with less than a minute on the clock, the Sabres put a scare into the ‘AAA’ Knights when Chris Parker capped a terrific weekend with his second goal of the game, from a rebound from Nicholas Churilla’s point shot. Unfortunately, the Sabres ran out of time awarding a 4-3 victory to Amherst over our mighty Sabres!
If this weekend is any indication of what lies ahead for the Flamborough Sabres PeeWee AA’s, their never quit work ethic is sure to make for a fun, successful 2009/10 hockey season.
"A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be." - Wayne Gretzky
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