After a slow start to the season, the U9MD Haliburton Hockey Haven team is finally hitting its stride and emerging as a legitimate competitive force. The squad has strung together its strongest stretch yet – two hard-fought ties followed by a well-earned win – building momentum and confidence with every shift.
Their latest challenge Jan. 10 came against the powerful second-place Lindsay Muskies, a rematch that tested the team’s growth. While the final score read 12-3 in favour of the Muskies, the result doesn’t capture the full picture. Compared to their previous meeting, the team showed marked improvement in structure, resilience, and overall effort. The young players skated with purpose, battled for pucks, and refused to back down, demonstrating clear progress and a growing belief in themselves.
Ella Sperrino delivered her best performance of the season – battling fiercely on every shift this past weekend and setting the tone with incredible work ethic. Goaltender Quinnten Clark was also a standout, standing tall with several huge saves.
Gryphon Luck continued his excellent two-way play as a top defensive forward, while speedy wingers James Pettes, Jackson Reid, and James Seed kept the pace high. On the backend, the steady pairing of Johnny Adlam and Annabelle Hutson held the line, with Easton Sperrino stepping up big with timely blocked shots.
The scoreboard told one story, but the ice told another: a team that’s improving every game, playing with heart, and heading firmly in the right direction.
The team followed up with a 1-0 win over Sturgeon Lake Jan. 11 in Fenelon Falls, with Gaffney potted the game’s only goal late in the third period, inspiring his team to victory.
