From the dark early hours of Thursday, to the emerging
daylight of Sunday morning our Atom AE Lambeth Lancers played a total of five games to land themselves into the Championship game of the International Silver
stick tournament. The boys were playing
for the honour of winning and bringing home another Atom AE Championship banner
and trophy to our home arena.
Pad 4 of the Seymour-Hannah arena in St. Catherines is where this battle would go down. The nervous tension from the coaches, parents, and the players was present but almost hidden in the background while the players slowly dressed for this game. To the coaches there was something different in the air today. There was a heightened excitement and a new, never before seen level of engagement that was emerging from these players. These young warriors were truly engaged, and they were prepared to win!!
Once the game started the Lancers were on fire, as a coach and a spectator I knew that this Lambeth squad was here to play. These two teams were evenly matched, and both teams were equally determined to bring home the hardware. The play flew from one end of the arena down to the other. Jamie was completely dialed in for this game today, making crucial saves at crucial times to keep our team energized and focused on our task of getting on the scoreboard.
The games first goal was from The Lambeth Lancers. Bryce Thompson shot a beauty from the point which found its way to the back of the net. The arena became electric. The Lancers cheering section erupted, and the noise was dialed up to 12!!
This goal was soon met with an equal response from Hyland Hills to even out the score.
The two teams battled for the entire remainder of the game to eventually finish tied in regular play.
In overtime, both teams knew that the first goal would ensure a monumental win. Each team brought forth the battle to the other and it was soon reciprocated. These teams fought hard in a match that seemed like it could go on for the remainder of the day. But Cooper Richards rifled a shot from the blue line that made its way by the Hyland Hills goal tender and terminated their Silver stick tournament dreams.
The Lancers had done the unthinkable. The 2019 Lambeth Lancers had now won this year International Silver Stick tournament.
The Lancers had won!!! The boys did it and they did it their way!
I am always in awe of this amazing squad. These kids are an amazing group of players who have come together to represent our town of Lambeth, and its hockey program.
Lancers Atom AE, like we have said in the dressing room, You guys make us proud every time you step out on to the ice.
This win only solidifies what we, as coaches, already knew. You are a great team of hard-working players with so many great personalities! Congratulations on your win-this was always within your grasp. You just had to want it bad enough to reach out and take it!!