The Cheryl Smith Re/Max U13 Rep Team stormed through the Cody Hodgson Tournament this past weekend, capped off by a commanding B finals’ title, their performance underscored by their relentless drive and unyielding confidence.
With a perfect record, so far, in the VDHL season two bracket, the Storm entered the tournament ready to battle for supremacy, and they did not disappoint.
In their opening game against the Smiths Falls Bears, the Storm’s suffocating pressure was evident from the start. Despite a stout defensive effort from the Bears, the Storm played a patient, controlled game, with James Gooley finding the back of the net for a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Goalie Corbin Elliot stood tall, earning the shutout and setting the tone for the tournament.
Game two saw the Storm shift into high gear as they overwhelmed the Lakefield Chiefs with a dominant 6-0 win. The offense came from all directions, with Austin Cunningham (2), Kelson Bagshaw, Rowan Johnson, Nash Wilson, and Greyson Park all finding the scoresheet. The balanced attack was matched by gritty forechecking from Jaxon Hurd, Chase Kerr and Bentley Bull, who created space and disrupted the Chiefs’ rhythm. Marshall Heasman also posted a shutout, ensuring the Storm’s defensive dominance continued.
The semi-finals brought a familiar foe in the Clearview Canucks, a team the Storm had battled to the wire in last year’s Silverstick final. This time, the Storm’s defensive corps, anchored by Liam Milburn, Linus Gervais, Rowen Little, Connor Iles, and Johnson, played with precision. In a back-and-forth contest, goaltender Elliot was stellar, but the game remained deadlocked late, pushing it into overtime. After a tense, penalty-ridden stretch, the Storm fell to the Canucks in a heartbreaking, five-overtime thriller. But the loss didn’t dampen the Storm’s spirit.
With fierce determination, the Storm rebounded in the B final against the Wasaga Beach Stars. Fired up by their semi-final defeat, the Storm came out with a vengeance, overwhelming the Stars in a spectacular 8-2 win. The intensity was palpable as they dominated every facet of the game, with each player contributing to the onslaught.
Coach Chris Kerr and his staff were thrilled with the performance, which solidified the Storm’s place as one of the tournament’s top contenders.
With the B finals’ victory secured, the Storm now set their sights on their next challenge: games against Mariposa and Brock. If this past weekend’s performance is any indication, they’re ready to continue their surge towards even greater success
