Love was in the air – love for hockey. This Valentines weekend was a memorable one for the U11 Team Turnbull Stars in Clearwater.
The squad was up against some incredibly tough competition. Their first game on Friday afternoon was lost 6-2 to the host Clearwater Icehawks with Lumby goals scored by Lincoln Luszcz and Jase Gamache. Heart and Hustle award given to Ryan Barrie, Most Valuable player award given to Jase Gamache. Offensive Player of the Game given to Lincoln Luszcz, and Defensive Player of the Game given to Cooper Turnbull.
On Saturday morning they battled Super League rivals Sicamous Eagles and fell short 5-1 with the lone goal scored by power forward Luke Verhage off a one-time feed from Ryan Barrie. H&H award given to Cole Ulmer, MVP award given to Luke Verhage. OPG given to Payton Watson, and DPG given to Adam Verhage.
After a pizza party and some fun in the pool we headed back to the arena for a contest against the unknown Summerland Jets. Their heads-up puck movement had the young Stars down 3-1 by the end of the second period but the players rallied and came back to tie the 4-4 with a few minutes left in the third. Summerland potted a well-played power-play goal to go up on the Stars with one minute left. Coaches decided to call a time out and pull the goalie. Even with the extra attacker one the ice, the Jets defense was too much, and they were able to hold on for a narrow victory. Goals in this game were scored by Colton Kula, Jase Gamache, and two by Luke Verhage. H&H award given to Macy Dutcher, MVP award given to Mack Dekker. OPG given to Seager Anderson, and DPG given to Maddox McGloin
After the round robin play our final game of the weekend was against the Valemount Wild Cats on Sunday morning. Everything clicked for your young Stars as they were able to head home with a big win of 14-1. Hat tricks scored by Colton Kula, Maddox McGloin, and Liam Charest. Ryan Barrie and Luke Verhage scored two each, and Mason Desilets wired one top-shelf to close out the score sheet. H&H award given to Mason Desilets, and MVP award given to Colton Kula. OPG given to Liam Charest, and DPG given to Cole Ulmer.
Although the first three games did not go our way this team played their best hockey of the season: the passing was crisp and on-point, the positioning was perfect, and shots were hitting their targets, but most importantly every athlete on this team played as a cohesive unit. Each shift was played with drive, and all-out heart – we also had to fill many water bottles mid-game to keep the hard workers hydrated.
Many many thanks go out to the parents for helping out wherever they can, the coaching staff for their time and dedication, our team manager Jen Luszcz for taking care of us all, and lastly our team sponsor Hogarth’s Pharmacy. We couldn’t make this season happen without any of you.
Playoffs start next week, so keep an eye out for the schedule and we hope to see you in the stands.
