The Season that was U15 Rep Louie's Pizza and Pasta., News, U15 Rep - Louie's Pizza & Pasta, U15 (Bantam), 2021-2022 (Ingersoll & District Minor Hockey)

This Team is part of the 2021-2022 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Apr 10, 2022 | Rich McNeil | 566 views
The Season that was U15 Rep Louie's Pizza and Pasta.
It wasn't perfect, but the 2021-2022 hockey season has come to an end. Other than a pause in play for most of January, the season went off without much of a hitch, and your U15 Rep squad had a very strong season overall. It all starts with an amazing coaching staff that included Head Coach Greg Franklin, Coach Rick Arts, Coach Brad Underwood and Trainer Garrett King. All four of these gentlemen made a strong commitment to playing the right way, held the kids accountable and were indeed a positive influnce on each and every young man on this squad.

What stood out to me is the consistency of which this team played. They identified early that we would have a difficulty loading pucks in the net, so their defensive style of play they embraced suited this teams skill set to a tee. There were very few games this season that our boys were outmatched in. We participated early in the Boston Pizza tournament where they faced centers like Woodstock and St. Thomas. Even though they were defeated 7-1 and 5-1 in those games, there was no quit in these kids, and I think helped set the tone for the season at hand.

This team would end up in first place at the end of the regular season in Southern Counties, have great showings at the Niagara on the Lake Tournament, where they lost in the final to a very strong team from Stitsville. We also lost in the semi's in overtime at the Garden City Warriors tournament. The boys probably deserved a better fate than this, hitting posts and crossbars, but it just was not meant to be. Silverstick was tough as we played our hearts out, but could not find the back of the net. Nevertheless, these boys left the arena with their heads held high, and were always a solid group who had mutual respect for one another. Of course, these are teenage boys, so there were moments that situations may have got the best of them, but it never festered and they always turned the page quickly.

We ended in 2nd in our round robin playoff series which matched us up against Ayr. We were indeed very closely matched, but our boys took it to them, and won the series 2 games to none, sending us to the OMHA Championships. The boys were snakebitten again, only being able to score 1 goal in the tourney, losing 2-0, 5-1 and 2-0. However, they did get there, and to be honest, with a little luck, this could have easily gone in a different direction.

We were able to get together as a team one last time yesterday at the Arts Farm, for some laughs, reminising of a wonderful season, and a fantastic potluck dinner we all enjoyed. The kids played basketball in the driveshed, and all of parents looked on and really were able to enjoy taking in boys being boys, no phones, no video games, just good old fashioned fun. It was great to see and everyone was engaged.

Coach Greg spoke highly of the kids and their efforts during the entire season. It was at this moment it became clear how much they really committed to the on and off ice product of this group . Unfortunately Coach Underwood could not attend, but Greg had nothing but great things to say about the group he surrounded himself with. One of the highlights was Greg speaking about Rick Arts and his contribution to this team, and how much these boys motivated him to stay involved in hockey. Rick, I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that Ingersoll Hockey is a much better organization with you involved in it. I think each and every one of these kids have a lot of things they can take away from this season, but seeing that group hug with you and the boys at the end of your speach spoke volumes in silence. 

Our team was lead by a leadership group of Captain Westin Matsumoto, Assistants Ryan Wolfe and Colton Macpherson. They were tasked with handing out three awards to teammates, without any involvement from the coaching staff. The first award handed out was a Team Leader award, which was given to first year Eli North. Eli showed up to play and practice hard every day. He was one of our leading scorers, and has a bright future as a young hockey player. Speed, combinded with great hockey sense. He was truly a pleasure to watch develop. 

Next they awarded the most underrated player to Cole McNeil. As his dad, I was very proud of his achievements this year. He played hard, and earned the respect of his teammates with his tenacity and resiliance on what was a very talented defence this season.

Finally the best teammate award was given to Sam House. He may be small but played a big game, and never backed away from any challenges. It was truly a pleasure to watch him give it his all out there, and his knowledge of the game will prepare him for an exciting season next year, his second year of U-15.

This team was indeed a special one. I want to personally thank each and everyone of you for supporting this group. You were an amazing group to see at the arena all the time. 

Last and certainly not least was to thank this entire team. I looked forward to Thursday nights at the Madhouse. I enjoyed watching this team develop into a well balanced, entertaining team to watch. I wish you started a little faster some nights, but I will give you a pass, as you always seem to have much more in the tank than your opponents did most nights.

Our goaltenders Tanner Belore and Jaxon Pinard:  I would put this tandem up against any team in our classifiaction. They both were rock solid all year.

Our defense consisted of Ryan Wolfe, Kolten Winkworth, Max Matheson, Kian Brown, Sam House and Cole McNeil. They played tough all year, and the results showed, as they were coached to play a disiplined game, and moved the puck well out of our zone.

And finally our fowards, who played with a tremendous amount of skill and heart. Each of these young men brought an excitement to our team that was unmatched. Josh Robles, Colton Macpherson, Westin Matsumoto, Ethan Kish, Jeremy Stiles, Jonah Martire, Eli North, Dylan Craib and Noah Muller. What a team, what a season.

Wishing you all the best this summer, and even though I do not want to rush away the summer ahead, I look forward to seeing each and everyone back at the arena in the fall. Have fun, and play safe!!

Go Express!!