Photo Barry Challice.
Tournament Convenor Matthew Greber was pleased with the results of this final hockey tournament of the season.
With the 2017-2018 Minor Hockey season winding down, Millbrook District Minor Hockey Association held their 6th annual Midget Mid-Winter Classic tournament for house league teams across the province. The tournament held the weekend of February 23rd-25th featured 24 teams traveling from places like Ottawa, London, and Barry’s Bay.
First started back in 2012, the tournament has continued to grow over the 6 years of its existence. It has received a reputation for competitive and high intensity hockey games, and a showcase event in the skills competition that displays not only the great talent in the tournament, but also the sportsmanship amongst teammates and competitors.
The Millbrook Stars entered their home tournament having won 4 of their last 5 games. In their first tournament game, they took on the eventual champions of the B division, the Lakefield Chiefs. The game was a hard fought battle but ultimately Lakefield was able
to win it 6-3. In their second game, Millbrook did not mess around, winning 5-0 and securing a shutout for goalie Brendan Nichol. Going into the 3rd and final game of the round robin against Delhi, Millbrook had the chance to secure a spot in the finals with a win. The game was an absolute nail-biter as it was tied with a few minutes left to play in the 3rd period. Both teams had chances, but ultimately Delhi was able to score the winner with just over a minute left to play. Millbrook held their own and came up just short of advancing to the finals.
Following Millbrook’s final game, players took part in the Skills Competition. This year’s event featured Fastest Skater, Shooting Accuracy, Puck Control and Longest Save Streak competitions. Participating from Millbrook were Bryce Gray, Ben Smyth, Curtis Doucet, and Brendan Nichol. All players had great showings in their respective events with Brendan Nichol taking home the Longest Save Streak title with an impressive 17 save streak.
Congratulations to all the teams that participated and especially to this year’s winners, from The “A” division Kanata Chiefs, and from the “B” division Lakefield Chiefs.
With the final tournament of the year now in the books, Millbrook Minor Hockey will begin planning for next year’s events. If anyone is interested in getting involved with our association, and help to provide great opportunities for kids in our community, you can attend our 2018 AGM at the Millbrook Lions’ Den on March 28th at 7pm, or you can send an email to executive@millbrookhockey.com for other volunteer opportunities.
By Matthew Greber, Millbrook Minor Hockey Tournament Convener
