Nov 04, 2019 | LRahm | 1423 views
Shanahan International
The Windsor AAA Zone PeeWee Majors made their way to Toronto to
compete in the Shanahan International Hockey Tournament, November first to the
third.
With an early 8:00 am game to open the first day, the Junior Spitfires looked to set the tone early. The game against the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs was a hard fought battle. Although the Zone fell behind by a goal in the first period, they battled back with two of their own goals throughout the remaining frames and skated to a two to one win.
Later that day, in a match-up against the Rochester Monarchs, the Spits had difficulty containing their quick, hard skating opponents. The play moved back and forth across the ice, but the scoreboard read a tough loss at the end of the game.
With a long layoff until their next game, the PeeWee Majors spent the evening bonding as a team, challenging each other to ping pong, tic tac toe and hotel scavenger hunt. As curfew drew closer, the players headed to their rooms, exhausted from the event filled day.
The Noon start on Saturday was a welcome opportunity to get back into action, and into the top of the division standings. The Soo Jr. Greyhounds jumped ahead by a goal, but again the Junior Spitfires would continue to generate opportunities until the tieing goal could be scored. Not long after, late in the third period, the AAA Zone scored again, yet the goal was called off due to a questionable high stick. Regulation time ended in a tie, but the determined Windsor team did not back down. A three minute, three on three overtime was needed to resolve the game. Another near goal by Windsor kept the crowd’s anticipation high as the overtime ticked by. With just over a minute left, the Junior Spitfires knocked home the game winner.
The fourth game against the Mississauga Reps set up an outside chance of settling in the top eight of the tournament, and a playoff spot. Unfortunately, the Reps jumped out to an early lead that Windsor was unable to overcome. The Junior Spitfires finished out the tournament third in their division, further strengthening their commitment to the team and each other. The Coaches and Parents are proud of the PeeWee Majors for all their hard work and determination.