The Highland Storm U13 Rep team have returned victorious from the Jan. 21 International Silver Stick Championships in Forest, Ontario.
Team manager Cynthia Hutchinson said the team went 4-0 in the preliminary round against four other regional champions, from Columbus, Ohio, Dresden, West Niagara and Frontenac.
In the finals, the Storm were up against the scrappy Ice Dogs from Arran-Elderslie.
Hutchinson said the Storm made use of their speed and passing to create space and generate goals from Travis Rowe (2), Chase Kerr and Henry Neilson to secure a 4-0 win behind the shutout goaltending of Blake Hutchinson.
Strong defensive support from Levi Rowe, Hudson Meyer and Tyler Hughes kept Frontenac at bay. At the same time, forwards Lyla Degeer, Cruize Neave, Hawksley Dobbins, Linus Gervais, Jaxon Hurd, and Brycen Harrison were all over the ice with incredible forechecking and back-checking, generating chances. Marshall Heasman was again at the ready if needed in goal as the Storm brought home the title, Hutchinson said.
For head coach Scott Neilson, this finishes what he started last year after a narrow loss in the semi-finals. Supported by assistant coaches James Reilly, Shawn Walker, trainer Marcus Rowe, and team manager, Hutchinson, the U13 team was well prepared, organized and motivated.
“For the kids, the banners hanging in Minden and Haliburton will represent memories that will last a lifetime,” Hutchinson said.
