Jan 11, 2020 | Rich McNeil | 188 views
Game #5 - Heading home with our heads held high.
After an exciting quarterfinal victory, we took time to celebrate our success with a team dinner in St. Catherines last night, knowing full well the boys would have their hands full with our semifinal contest against the London Bandits in Pelham. The winner would meet the Orangeville Flyers for the right to call themselves International Silver Stick Champions.
The boys would end up dropping this contest 7-3, but did our organization proud by playing with class and a never quit mentality that this amazing group of boys have built their reputation on. A huge thanks to the entire coaching staff that includes, Jamie Belore, Chris Pare, Bill Huitema, Trevor Durham and Kevin Condotta, who have done and continue to guide this young group of boys to be the best that they can be. Respectful in victory, and gracious in defeat.
With the game 5-0 in the third, Alex Stratton got the Express fans fired up by finally beating the Bandits goaltender with a great second effort. Jeremy Stiles would score shortly afterward with a wicked wrist shot that shook the twine. After London scored twice more, Stiles would tip in a shot after a great effort from Brody Huitema, who danced his way in from the point.
Both Tanner Belore and Ben Baker did all they could to keep us competitive in all our contests. Congratulations to both of you for the great competitive fire that burns brightly in both of you.
To the entire team, a huge kudos from all of your family and friends, who could not be more proud of your efforts this weekend. Even though this might not be the ending you hoped for, the fact that you made it this far in such a prestigious tournament is something you all need to embrace positively. There is a significant amount of exciting hockey in front of you all, take what you have learned and continue to look ahead to bigger and better accomplishments.... From all of us to you boys.. Great Job, you made us all very proud!! Congratulations.