The Tecumseh Atom Major Eagles go 5-0 en-route to their 3rd championship at the 19th annual Randy Merten / Dan Holland Memorial Tournament...
On the heels of a tournament the weekend prior, there was very little time to rest to gear up for their final tournament of the season - but make no mistake, the team was well prepared to compete and test themselves against some provincial opponents yet to be seen this year.
After winning games over St Thomas and Amherstburg, their key matchup happened early Saturday morning against the Oakville Rangers. Tied 1-1 after 1 period of play, the Eagles pounced to create a 2 on 1 rush with just over 2 minutes left in the 2nd period, finishing with a one timer goal to go ahead 2-1. They would go on to add 2 additional markers in the 3rd to seal a 4-1 victory. A 4th win would follow later that evening on the main bowl of the WFCU centre, setting up what would appear be destined from the beginning - a finals matchup against their rivals, the Belle River Canadiens
A packed house at the Atlas Tube Centre wouldn't disappoint as it was loud and supportive for both teams, the type of positive atmosphere games like this should be - a wild ride would then ensue, with the Eagles scoring midway through the 1st period. Much of the same in the 2nd, as the teams kept the games close with strong goaltending on both sides. As the 3rd period began, a pair of penalties 30 seconds apart would see the Eagles attack 5 on 3 - in what could have seen a large momentum shift, the Canadiens killed off both penalties, keeping it a one goal affair in the dying minutes of the game. A flurry of chances on both sides would follow, and a goaltending sequence that saved the game for Tecumseh in the last few seconds ultimately sealed the deal
4 tournaments, 4 tournament final appearances, 3 tournament wins - tallying 16 wins and only 3 losses throughout capping off a tremendous finish as the Eagles now look to get primed for the OMHA playdowns in January
On behalf of the team, we can't begin to that the PARENTS enough for their support - the time, effort, encouragement and belief in this group have made for a memorable season to date - you set the platform for our youth to create lasting memories while having fun playing the game they love - but we're not done yet....
Enjoy your holidays, and buckle up - playdowns are right around the corner!
