Submitted By: Amanda Charest & Jen Luszcz
The OMAHA U11 District Recreational Playoffs were hosted by the Lumby Stars on the weekend of March 16th. The U11 Team Garratt had a great start to the round robin playoffs winning their first three games – 9 to 5 against Kamloops, 4 to 2 against South Okanagan and 4 to 0 against Merritt. They advanced to the semi-finals on March 18th winning 6 to 5 against Kelowna in triple overtime.
For the banner winning game they played against South Okanagan. It was an equal battle game with both teams fighting to get the first goal. South Okanagan scored the opening goal of the game at 17:56 in the 2nd period. Lumby Stars quickly retaliated with Lincoln Luszcz scoring the first goal for our team, assisted by Luca Gatzke at 14:28. Anthony Luond, assisted by Lauchie LaRiviere and Luke Verhage, scored at 5:38, closing out the second period. It was an active 3rd period with lots of shots on net. At 4:10 in the 3rd, Colter McLaughlin assisted by Luke Verhage, scored the final goal of the game. Our 2 goalies, Harlow Hopkins and Liam Charest, both equally stood on their heads and made some amazing saves during the game. U11 Team Garratt won 3 to 2 earning them the OMAHA North District Championship Banner!
It was an amazing season for the U11 Lumby Stars – Team Garratt. They played with heart and hustle earning them two gold medals at the Lumby and Kamloops Tournaments, second place in the League, one silver medal at the League Playoffs and the banner at the District Championship.
We are very thankful to our coaches Bob Garratt, Eric Hanson, Kevin Stanek and Brad Baines for their leadership and allowing our children to shine. Also, thank you to our manager Emily Knezacek for all of the organizing of what was often unseen but greatly appreciated. And finally thank you to our sponsors Century 21 and Gudeit & Son Transport Ltd and all the other businesses and people that donated to us this season.
