Nov 12, 2013 | Justin Gauthier | 806 views
Shanahan Invitational Tournament
The Windsor Spitfires headed up the 401 this past weekend to participate in the Shanahan Invitational Tournament in Mississauga, one of the Province’s premier gatherings of young hockey talent. And it was a fantastic experience to play some of the best teams this area has to offer.
Game #1 vs. Markham Majors
The tournament got going in a hurry when the Spits were able to score a quick one on their GTHL opponent when Brendan Gouin sniped a nice one just 15 seconds into the contest. The Spits were then able to add to their lead when it was Ethan Olafson launching a rocket to the far side in the second period. The Spits held a 2 goal cushion heading into the 3rd however the Majors were able to fight back with a pair of their own to tie it up and send this one to OT. It only took 20 seconds for the Spits to end this one when Brendan added his second goal of the game and the OT winner to give the Spits the 2 pts. In net Phil DiMambro played solid, making many important saves when called upon. Solid defensive play from Denzel Aguilar and Anton Tchernenko helped the boys secure the win also. Matthew Mongeau also had a good positional game at centre.
Game #2 vs. Toronto Marlies
The second game saw the Spits matched up against the #1 ranked team in Ontario and this one would be a test for the squad. The high flying Marlies came at the Spits early and often and before the game was one period in, the Marlies had built up a 3-0 lead. But the Spits never quit. They continued to match the physical game that the Toronto team played and stood their ground against a steady Marlie attack. Eventually the Spits were able to get a goal of their own when Nic Graniero finished off a real nice passing play. However in the end the Toronto team was a bit too deep for the Spits to defend and the final score ended up 5-1. In net Trevor Heslop was worked hard by the Toronto shooters but did a great job holding the fort. A great overall team effort and a great measuring stick for the boys.
Game #3 vs. Clarington Toros
This game would prove to be another physical affair as the Toros game plan was clearly to try and outmuscle the Spits. But the Spits were not going to let that happen! Things started off on a high note as the combo of Nic Graniero and Nate Dowling teamed up for a beautiful 2 on 1 goal finished by Nic. But shortly after that the Toros picked up the pace and started to swing the momentum. A couple of unfortunate bounces and some bad puck luck allowed the Toros to take the lead with 5 unanswered goals. A very sloppy, physical 3rd period saw the Spits really put the push on to try and climb back into this one however it was not meant to be. Nate Dowling was able to pop one more goal but that is as close as the Spits would get. On the back end it was Matteo Pare and Seth Martineau playing really strong games, and up front Gavin Grundner was a real work horse along with Mateo Nepszy, Ethan Olafson and Konnor Smith playing great 2-way games. A fantastic team game and we were really proud of the boys for sticking together.
Game #4 vs. Waterloo Wolves
A familiar Alliance opponent this time around and a very similar result to the first few meetings of the season. The Spits would come out in this one with some fire and looked to be determined to finish the tourney off on a high note. The first period saw the Spits push hard at the Wolves however their efforts were not rewarded as the period ended 0-0. In the second the boys kept the press on and a fortunate deflection got the Spits on the board as Nic Graniero was credited with the goal. Following that up was Brendan Gouin with a sneaky one of his own as he banked the puck in off of the Wolves goalie who found himself out of position. End of 2nd…2-0 Spitfires. In the 3rd the Windsor team stuck with the game plan and after both Brendan and Nic added their second goals of the game the Spits wrapped this one up 4-0. In net Phil DiMambro was stellar in the shutout. Great job Phil. On defense Brody Gillis was skating real well and controlling the play on several occasions, and Nolan Carvalho was rock solid in shutting down the Wolves attack at his own blue line. Fantastic tournament fellas and a real step forward to becoming a great team. We are all very proud of your efforts this weekend!!!