2019-20 REP - PeeWee Minor (U12) | Jan 23, 2020 | Ken Williams | 1774 views
Minor PeeWee A International Silver Stick Champions
On Sunday, January 12th, 2020, the
Owen Sound Garb and Gear Minor Pee Wees accomplished a rare feat, winning the
International Silver Stick Championship in Newmarket, ON. Up until last year when the Major PeeWee Attack ('06 team) took home the gold in Port Huron MI, International Silver Stick
Champions in Owen Sound were hard to find, with prior winners dating back to
the mid 1990s.
The two-tournament format, first a regional, followed by the International tournament, showcases some of minor hockey’s top teams from across Ontario and the United States. This year was no different. It was in the Regional finals, played here in Owen Sound, where the Minor Pee Wee Attack met the St. Thomas Stars, who also became their eventual opponents in the International Finals. After a tough 5-3 loss in Owen Sound, the Minor Pee Wees still received an invite to the International Tournament. As a team who came 2nd place in their regionals, the invite was awarded based on their 1st place Provincial ranking and their finals appearance in the Owen Sound Regionals in November. The Owen Sound Attack Pee Wees were also the OMHA Champions in the 2019 season. During the round robin format in Newmarket at the International tournament, the Minor Pee Wees defeated a team from Sudbury 7-1, the host Newmarket Redmen 3-1, the Brantford 99ers, a AA ranked team 4-3. Their only defeat in the round robin would come at the hands of the Barrie Colts 3-2. In the semi finals the Attack met up with the Orillia Terriers, who, like the Attack, had a 3-1 record heading into the semis. This showdown paired the two top A teams against each other for a chance to play for the International crown. The Minor Pees Wees started strong and they never let up defeating the Terriers 5-2 and earning a rematch with the St. Thomas Stars, this time for the ultimate prize! The Attack started strong building up early leads of 1-0 and 3-2 only to see both evaporate as the 3rd period wore on. Heading into the final 3 mins of regulation play the Stars had a convincing 5-3 lead. In what will be viewed as a classic, the Attack fought back to tie the game 5-5 with 24 seconds left and eventually sent the game into overtime. In OT, the Attack and Stars played a 3 on 3 sudden death format. The heart stopping final ended when Owen Sound netted the winner, 8 mins into OT. The team claimed the International Stick Championship and the coveted entry into the National Hockey Hall of Fame for the 2020 year! The team consisted of the following players and coaches; Players- Eric Meikle(G), Alex Harris(G), David Bringleson(D), Jack Farley(RW), Cooper Charyna(LW), Kole Hutchinson(LW), Duncan Abell(D), Everett Akerman(C), Max Couling(RW), Zach Lemon(D), Brock McIlmoyle(RW), Russell Stolec(D), Chase Garvie(C), Ryan Cranny(C), Tyler Thompson(D), Josh Middlebro’(LW), Lucas Sarvis(D). Coaching Staff- Ken Williams, Steve “Baz” McCrae, Mark Thompson, Mike Sarvis, Herb Lemon (Trainer), Jason Cranny (General Manager)