U11 team wins Silver Stick

ALVINSTON — This hockey season saw a merger of longtime rivals, Southpoint Capitals and Essex Ravens travel hockey teams. In tournament play at all levels, these teams have enjoyed great success.

The latest group of U11 players competed in the Alvinston Silver Stick regional qualifier over the Christmas break and took top honours.

Game one saw end-to-end action against Mt. Brydges. After two scoreless periods, the opposition broke the ice but the locals roared right back to tie the score, leaving the game in a deadlock. Landen Seguin earned MVP honours for the Caps.

Game two saw a smothering defensive effort en route to a decisive 3-0 shutout over Oakville. Dario Graziano earned the shutout, while Lincoln Kniaziew earned game MVP. Game three versus St. Thomas found the boys down by a goal midway through the third but they roared back with four unanswered tallies in a five-minute span.

With a 4-2 victory, the Caps were now qualified for the finals in a rematch with Mt. Brydges.

The teams traded early goals and the opposition fired a late first-period marker and carried a 2-1 lead into the third. With a dogged determination, the locals tied the score, only to find themselves having to kill a late penalty.

Keagan Duarte blocked a shot at the blue line, outraced two defenders and rammed home the winning marker. Despite another late penalty and facing a 6-on-4, the penalty killers shut down any scoring chances, sealing the 3-2 victory.

Ryan Sadler earned MVP honours.

With the season now on hold they eagerly await a berth in the international finals in Sarnia.

The Southpoint-Essex U11 Capitals rejoice after winning the holiday Silver Stick tournament in Alvinston.

Photo submitted

Team members are Dario Graziano, Easton Fillion, Mason Coulter, Landen Seguin, Ted VanGellecum, Nolan Jones, Blaine Mongeau, Jake Weston, Ryan Sadler, Nolan McMurren, Noah Kalifhe, Adam Enns, Gio Spano, Lincoln Kniaziew, Keagan Duarte, Paul George and Judah Raffoul. Coaches are Matt Coulter, Greg Coulter, Bubba Jones and Gaspare Graziano.