U10 Caps make it to Silver Stick final

NEWMARKET — The U10 Essex Southpoint team traveled to Newmarket March 12-15 to take part in the 35th Annual International Silver Stick Tournament.

The Caps played their first game against Georgina Blaze early Saturday morning. The Blaze came out strong, scoring the first two goals, but the Caps quickly woke up. Conner Blain, assisted by Jackson Root, scored short-handed at the end of the first to make it 2-1. Two more goals in the second and a sweet glove save from goaltender Keegan Pope kept the Caps in the game. Brody Church added another short-handed goal in the third for a 4-2 final.

That evening, the Capitals came out hot against Quinte West. Strong play from the defense — Lyle Fleming, Brody Church, Brady George, Jackson Root, Ashton Drozdz and Russell Colenutt — handed Quinte West their first loss of the season. Zander Cook, Carter Demant and Drake Pernal all contributed goals to the 10-3 final.

Sunday brought an easy win against the hometown team the Newmarket Renegades (12-2). Jordyn Lefaive’s persistence paid off with a one-timer goal in the first period. Christian Rutgers and Conner Blain teamed up, assisting each other with hat tricks.

A Monday morning 8-3 win against Woodstock kept goaltender Owen Tavares’ winning streak alive and saw Ben Macquarrie score.

The team advanced to the semi-finals that evening against Centre Wellington, who proved to be a tough opponent. After two periods, the score was 4-2 for the Caps. Eddie Zieba’s strong physical presence shut the opponent down and the final score remained 4-2.

Tuesday morning the Caps faced off against Owen Sound for the championship.

Strong defensive play from both teams kept the game scoreless during the first period. The Caps were first to score in the second period, but Owen Sound responded with two quick goals.

Late in the second, Brady George passed to Blain who scored to tie the game.

After a hard-fought third period, the Capitals lost 4-2 in the final.