The Atom Rep team travelled to Alvinston to play in the Silver Stick tournament during Christmas break.
The first game proved to be a challenge against Ilderton – they defeated Minto 8-0.
After a night of motel chaos, the Mad Dogs decided to show up and play against Norwich. It was end-to-end action for both teams. Norwich started off strong by getting up on Minto 2-0. But persistence paid off as Lucus Oxford got the puck past their goaltender to bring the score to 2-1. Oxford, with his second of the day, got a rebound shot to tie the game. At this point the fans were sitting on the edge of their seats as the game went into double overtime. Trevor Scott was peppered with shots and stood on his head to keep Minto in the game. Minto went into a shootout with Norwich, and Norwich came out ahead.
The Atom Rep team travelled to Clinton on Saturday and ended up with a 2 - 1 loss. Minto’s only goal was scored by Blair Butchart.
On Sunday Minto hosted their tournament and played Arran-Elderslie in the first game. Passing proved to be key as they dominated the game with a 10 – 0 win. A great team effort! Goals and assists were as follows: Brodie Hoffele (five goals, one assist), Curtis Erb (one goal, two assists), Butchart (one goal, one assist), Kaleb Soloman (one goal), Cody Camm (one goal), Lucus Oxford (one goal, one assist), and Ben Riley (two assists).
In the second game, Minto played West Lincoln Wrath. It was a fast-paced game with the Wrath coming out strong. The Wrath scored two goals in the first that Minto left unanswered. Blair Butchart put Minto on the scoreboard in the second on a pass from Brett Zabel. Butchart then scored twice in the third with Reid Lobsinger getting an assist. Final score was Minto 3, West Lincoln 4.
Minto then went on to play West Lincoln in the “A” finals. The Wrath again came out to win, scoring the first three goals of the game. Minto again had to answer back and Hoffele did just that. That seemed to spark the Mad Dogs in the final period of the game. Zabel buried a rebound on a pass from Hoffele and Oxford. The Mad Dogs would not give up, but it just wasn’t enough to tie the Wrath. Thanks to those who organized a great tournament and to all the parent volunteers for helping it run successfully.
– Submitted by Lori Zabel