Highlander Bantams blow into the windy city…….and blow out UNDEFEATED
This past weekend, the Grey Bruce Highlander Garb & Gear Bantams competed in the Bauer International Invite tournament in Chicago, Illinois.
Competing against 4 US teams, it was unclear what to expect. However, after adjusting to the rule differences between ourselves and our neighbours to the South, our Bantams went on to play some inspired hockey, finishing the tournament with 2 wins and 2 ties. Efforts had been concentrated on defensive zone coverage prior to this tournament, which seemed to pay off as the Highlanders only allowed 5 goals in 4 games. Great goaltending by Malcolm Young and Cam Harron is something that can be counted on game in and game out, and they didn’t let us down on this occasion either.
Our first game against New Jersey’s Mercer Chiefs resulted in a 1-1 tie. This game ultimately would prove to be our downfall.
The additional point a win would have provided would have carried us into Sunday’s playoff round. Regardless, from that game on, we skated harder, stronger and faster. Brady Richards would score our only goal of this game, with assists from Josh Hopkin & Braden Boley. Malcolm Young had net minding duties in this game.
Game 2 on Friday night was an altogether different story, giving us our first win of the day, 5-3 over California Heat with 5 different Highlanders finding the back of the net. A great moment, and giving us Parents even more reason to cheer was Riley Robertson who scored his first goal as a Highlander on his 14
th Birthday – Congratulations Riley!! Reid Simmons, Riley Cook, Ben Scheel and Colin Rigney also had us cheering. Assisting on these goals were Ben Scheel, Brady Richards, Braden Boley, Colin Rigney & Wyatt Barfoot. Great goaltending by Cam Harron.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny, and we were off to a flying start with a 4-1 win over the West Michigan Hounds. Goals from Luke Czuczman, Ben Scheel, Reid Simmons and Braden Boley secured the win, with great goaltending from Malcolm Young. Robert White (2). Braden Boley and Reid Simmons helped the cause with assists. Goaltender, Malcolm Young did a great job in net once again.
Some free time – what to do in Chicago????? Bus tours of the city, some great food, shopping…so much to do….so little time. Still, we made the most of it, and made some great memories in the process. Chicago is a beautiful city, with a beautiful waterfront and skyline.
Our final game was Saturday night, and perhaps our best game of the tournament. The Afton Americans from Missouri would provide our biggest competition of the tournament. The game ended deadlocked at 0-0, but the Highlanders stood up to this heavy hitting, fast skating team and played what many considered their best game of the season thus far.
Any tournament this far from home requires many hours of thoughtful planning. Thanks go to our “dynamic duo” Brad & Kelly Scheel who combined forces to make sure our weekend went without a hitch. Thanks Guys!
Well done Highlanders – you did us proud!!!
submitted by: Janice Rigney
