Congratulations!!!!!!!!
Their journey started with winning the Sudbury Regional Silver
Stick in early December followed by the Pelham Regional Silver Stick a couple
of weeks later. These wins resulted in their invitation to the International
Silver Stick in Sarnia this past weekend where they once again prevailed to
become the Atom A International Silver Stick Champions!
The weekend can only be described as incredible! As explained by an International Silver Stick executive, "this is the Stanley Cup of Atom Hockey", and the boys didn't disappoint. Once again they were outstanding going 6-0 through the tournament.
The boys had a bright start Friday in an early morning game against the Owen Sound Attack with an 8-2 win, later that afternoon they would meet Michigan's Mt. Clemens Wolves who were taken out with a score of 8-0.
The US competition continued Saturday morning with an 8-1 win over Virginia's Capitals Academy. By the afternoon the Tillsonburg Tornadoes entered the quarter finals in first place, this is where they swiftly eliminated the King's Rebellion from the tournament with a 6-0 win to secured their spot in the semi final.
In Sunday's semi they were matched against the 4th place Orillia Terriers where they claimed championship action with a 4-1 win. The final game was nothing short of epic as the boys battled the Nabraska's Omaha Jr. Mavs. It was a back and forth the entire game with Omaha leading 5-4 in the third period, then with 1:10 left on the clock, hearts were pounding as the puck found the net for the Tornadoes which ended the game with a 5-5 tie. As per OT rules, 3 on 3 action began with 5 min set to the clock, the Tornadoes didn't waste anytime, 51 seconds later they were the International Silver Stick Champions!
The team was further recognized, receiving the Bob LeClair Memorial Award which is given annually to an atom team displaying the honourable qualities of good discipline, attitude, ability and conduct as well as general all around good sportsmanship throughout the North American Silver Stick Finals. The players will also have their names on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto as a result of their win. Further to this, Gavin Balazs and David Lamers were named to the All Star Team, and Gavin was also awarded the player of the Tournament!
The achievements of this team have been remarkable, the championship game of International marked a 51 game winning streak! We could not be more proud of these boys and the coaches that dedicate so much time and energy to bring the most out of them.
We wish you all the best as you continue in the OMHA playdowns!