After battling through Pool play and a thrilling comeback victory in the Semi-Final, the Eagles reached the Championship Game, where they fell just short in a hard-fought 2-1 loss to the Kent Cobras.
The Tecumseh Eagles U12 A team delivered a remarkable performance this past weekend at the Silver Stick Chatham Regionals, showcasing their resilience, skill and determination. After battling through Pool play and a thrilling comeback victory in the Semi-Final, the Eagles reached the Championship Game, where they fell just short in a hard-fought 2-1 loss to the Kent Cobras.
The weekend started with a bang as Tecumseh took on the third-ranked LaSalle Sabres in the tournament’s first game. After falling behind 1-0, the Eagles responded with poise. Sawyer Lemay tied the game by converting a rebound off an Austin Pawluk shot. Pawluk would then put Tecumseh ahead 2-1 with 6:34 left in regulation. Just 23 seconds later, Vincent Pullo buried a power-play goal, finishing a rebound off a Jaxson Mitchell shot to make it 3-1. LaSalle managed a late goal with their net empty and 2 seconds remaining, but Tecumseh held on for the 3-2 victory. Grant Morden was in goal for the win.
In their second game on Friday against the Strathroy Jr. Rockets, Tecumseh took control early. Pawluk scored in the first minute giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead. The game remained close until Tecumseh exploded in the second period, using precision passing to score 3 goals (Mitchell, with two, and Lemay) in 4 minutes. Benjamin VanDenDriesche would also find the back of the net, after a nice outlet pass from Alden Hartleib, sealing a commanding 5-1 win.
The Eagles carried their momentum into Saturday versus the Riverside Rangers, dominating the game for an 8-1 victory. Mitchell led the way with a hat trick, while Pullo and VanDenDriesche each added two goals. Rafael Villella also scored, and Leah Cecile earned the win in goal.
Securing the #1 seed, Tecumseh again faced the LaSalle Sabres on Sunday morning in a dramatic Semi-Final rematch. The Eagles fell behind early as LaSalle took a 2-0 lead. With just 10 seconds left in the first period, Pullo corralled a Ryan Power shot in the slot and scored to keep Tecumseh’s hopes alive at 2-1.
The game remained tense through the second period, with no scoring on either side. In the third period, Tecumseh took advantage of a power play, tying the game with 5:10 left when Pullo scored during a goalmouth scramble. With the clock winding down, the Eagles completed the comeback. With just 1:46 remaining, Pullo struck again, putting in a rebound on the far post off a Mitchell backhand to give Tecumseh a 3-2 lead. LaSalle pushed hard in the final two minutes, but Morden and the Eagles’ stout defense - Michael Brooks, Noah Ford, Grayson George, Rocco Lot and Sadie Mongeau - held firm, securing the victory and sending Tecumseh to the Championship game.
In the Final, Tecumseh faced the local and well-rested Kent Cobras, who were also undefeated thus far on the weekend. The game was a defensive showdown, with both teams battling for every inch of ice. The game remained scoreless until late in the second period when Kent took a 1-0 lead. Off a turnover generated on a Kyle Boughner backcheck, Pullo scored with a shot on the rush with 6:10 left in the third to tie the game. Kent scored a late marker on a net-front scramble with 2:04 to play. Despite a late Tecumseh push, Kent would raise the Silver Stick Green Banner, the Eagles narrowly missing out on the title.
Head Coach Mike Brooks praised his team’s performance: “The team showed tremendous heart and grit all weekend. They proved they can compete with the best. We’ll take this experience and keep building.”
The Tecumseh Eagles U12 A team’s journey to the Silver Stick Regionals Final was filled with thrilling moments, from comeback victories to dominant performances. The Eagles left Chatham proud and motivated, ready for even greater success in the season ahead.
The Eagles would like to thank their sponsors, parents and fans for their unwavering support.