The
PeeWee AE team went 4-1 this weekend in Saugeen Shores to
win the PeeWee Rep Division in the Chris Knott Memorial Tournament. The team was focused and had committed to playing a disciplined, defensively responsible style all weekend. The defense first mentality allowed our team to play tight in our end, move the puck and then shift into an aggressive fore-check and attack the net style of hockey. The team was not told that they were entered into the Rep division until after their first game of the tournament…once they knew how they can play and grasped a firm belief in what they can accomplish, it was the beginning of the climb to a championship.
The first game saw the Oilers play the host centre Saugeen Shores Rep team Friday night. This game was back and forth that was tied at the end of two periods 0-0. The tension grew as the end of the third was fast approaching and both teams pressing back and forth. Saugeen got a late goal that slid through traffic, hit the post and bounced in with about 1:30 left in the game. Saugeen sealed the deal getting an empty net goal handing Petrolia a 2-0 loss. Our team played well, and executed the game plan. Once the boys were told they just played a Rep team, the wind came back in their sails and more confidence in their ability to play. Player of the Game: Logan McLinchey
The first of three games on Saturday was against the Bruce Peninsula Predators. Our boys took the lesson from the last game - hard work and positional responsibility will keep you in the game. They believed in themselves and knew they could play against a rep team and be in the game – they exhibited a new level of confidence and once again played with determination. The Predators played a physical style and attempted to agitate our players, but Petrolia’s level of discipline was too solid. Petrolia kept taking the puck to the net and notched their first ever win against a Rep team with a 4-1 victory. Player of the Game: DJ Langlois
Petrolia faced Erin-Hillsburgh Devils in their third game of the tourney. After playing two solid games with strong back-checking and aggressive fore-checking the Petrolia Oilers were focused and determined to keep their momentum rolling. Everything was firing during this 8-1 win. With this win Petrolia finished first in the round robin and the right to play in the semi-finals. Player of the Game: Logan McLinchey
Petrolia would face off against Saugeen Shores again. The opportunity to avenge a loss in the opening game brought a new challenge to the young group. Petrolia’s strong play earned them a 2-0 lead, but Saugeen came to battle and really wanted to see what this AE team was made of and why they were in a Rep tournament. They did just that tying the game 2-2. With about 5 minutes left Braeden Nickles scored the game winning goal thrusting the Petrolia PeeWee AE team into the Championship game. Petrolia wins 3-2. Player of the Game: Braeden Nickles
Bruce Peninsula Predators now wanted to avenge their earlier loss. The Oilers were “In It To Win IT!” and came out with a strong start gaining another 2-0 lead. The Predators were not going to sit back and let this happen and answered with 2 goals of their own. The Predators went up 3-2 in the third period. Petrolia was on edge, lost a bit of focus, but were determined to work hard and create a spark to get back in the game. With just under 6 minutes left the Oilers left it all out on the ice scoring their third goal to tie the game. This was more than a spark as Petrolia notched two more quick goals with only 1:50 left in the game. Petrolia maintained control of the puck with their "position first, possession next"strategy and ate up the clock. Petrolia wins 5-3!! to WIN the PeeWee Rep Division Championship!! Player of the Game: Robb Moore with Honourable Mention: Braeden Nickles
Tournament MVP: Braeden Nickles with Honourable Mention: Logan McLincey
Congratulations boys…another fabulous title that you earned together. Individuals can be broken, but together you can accomplish amazing things. This group of hockey players faced adversity on more than one occasion this weekend but were able to battle back. Work hard, never give up and support those around you - a life lesson learned in hockey that the will be able to apply in various situations for the rest of their lives. Well done.