The Ingersoll Express R. McNiven and Sons Insurance Atom Rep team travelled to Ayton to take part in the West Grey Minor Hockey Tournament. This was the team's first action of 2013, and they were hoping to keep the roll that they've been on going. Aside from a game at the Blenheim Tournament in early December, the team hasn't lost since November 9, and wanted to keep the momentum alive.
The team started off with a game against Saugeen Shores. With everyone in the lineup except the steady defensive presence of an ill Ethan Emerson, Ingersoll was looking to make a statement. The team started off on the right track, with a nifty little individual effort by Parker Hodgson, putting the team up 1-0. Before the end of the period Saugeen Shores was able to solve Ingersoll goalie Logan White, and the teams skated to the break 1-1. The second period was when Ingersoll broke out, with Hodgson popping 3 more goals, with another added by Ingersoll defenseman Nolan Adkins. Saugeen Shores was able to get another one, and at the end of two it was 5-2 for Ingersoll. The third period became a defensive clinic for Ingersoll, only allowing one shot on net by Saugeen Shores. The team continued to pepper the Saugeen Shores goalie with shots (13) in the third period, but weren't able to get any more by him. Final score - Ingersoll 5, Saugeen Shores 2. This put Ingersoll into the Championship stream of the tournament. Ingersoll got an assist from Nathan Bailey.
Game two saw Ingersoll playing Oro. A win in this game meant a trip to the championship game. A loss meant a trip home early. Ingersoll came out with more of the same this game, with Hodgson scoring two first period goals to put the team up 2-0. Oro scored early in the second period, but then Ingersoll winger Brennan Rupert banged home a rebound to restore the two goal lead at 3-1 at the end of two. In the third period, Oro again were able to put one past Logan White, but Ingersoll kept their defensive effort up and shut Oro down, denying any more chances at White after the 2nd goal. Hodgson then added an insurance marker, and Ingersoll skated to a 4-2 victory and a trip to the championship game. Assists in this game went to Josh Clark (3), Daytn Racicot (2) and Nathan Bailey.
The championship game saw Ingersoll facing off against Minto. This game started off with Ingersoll ready and eager to play coming off their victory over Oro, while Minto players were still showing up at the arena as the Zamboni was leaving the ice. Ingersoll forward Josh Clark started the scoring with a nice shot in the first period, beating the Minto netminder and giving Ingersoll the early 1-0 lead. It would turn out that this was all Ingersoll would need, as goalkeeper Logan White shut the door on Minto, and the rest of the Express team put on a defensive clinic, keeping the number of shots that he faced down, and keeping the shots to the outside. Ingersoll got goals from Parker Hodgson (2) and Brennan Rupert to round out the scoring. Final 4-0 for Ingersoll, marking this their 3rd Championship and 4th title (Consolation Champions in one) for the four tournaments that the team has entered this season. Assists in the final game went to Hodgson (2), Clark, Rupert.
Express Action vs. Minto
The Express celebrate with goaltender Logan White after his shutout against Minto seals the Tournament Championship
R. McNiven and Sons Insurance Brokers Ingersoll Express - 2012-2013 West Grey Tournament Champions
The team's next action is Thursday, January 10th, when they travel to Norwich to take on the Knighthawks.