Nov 30, 2021 | Rob Binkley | 744 views
BLOMHA Tournament CHAMPIONS!
It is with great honor that I am able to share the news that the Nationals U14MD TEAM was able to capture the Burlington Lions Optimist Minor Hockey Association Rep MD Challenge Cup!
A huge thank you to our sponsors, parents and all the fans watching at home via the livestream! No mater where you were, we could hear and feel your encouragement!
With the heart breaking loss in the Nazem Kadri North London Classic Final still fresh in their minds, the U14 MD team headed to the BLOMHA Rep MD Challenge Cup just one week after falling to Brantford in that final, but with redemption in their sights.
However, it would not be easy as a tough draw in their division had the team facing one of their local rivals the West London Hawks in their opener. A hard fought affair that would be a prelude of things to come had the teams draw to a 3-3 tie and set up a race to first in the division.
Next up was the same Burlington Jr Bulldogs Red team that the Nationals faced just one week prior, with the identical result of a 4-2 victory.
With the team looking to secure the first seed in their division, they stormed out and took their third game over the Kitchener Jr Rangers Blue 4-0, giving them top seed and setting up a semi-final date with Oakville.
Oakville came out determined and the final score of 5-2 was not a reflection of the close game as the Nationals had to fight off a comeback attempt with two empty net goals, assuring them a rematch from Friday against the West London Hawks.
As the U14 Team has done all year, they came to the rink prepared to play a talented West London team who would battle to the end. The first period ended in a 0-0 draw, with the second period having the same result as the teams would not give an inch. But things would change with a little over 4 minutes to go in the third as the the Nationals would not give up and finally found the back of the net with Evan Wilsons crease battle. With victory in their sights, the Nationals played their game, never backing down and always giving their all and ultimately prevailing as tournament champions!
An exceptional tournament for a great team who could just as easily have wilted under the previous weekends defeat, but instead chose to embrace the challenge, embrace each other and find a way!
CONGRATULATIONS NATIONALS, YOU EARNED IT!