Jan 21, 2014 | novice | 1674 views
NorStar Novice Bears Capture 2013/2014 MPS Title
The NorStar Novice Bears dominated the MPS Championship this past weekend going 4-0 against their area rivals...
The NorStar Novice Bears shone in all four match ups against MPS division teams during the MPS Championships held from January 17-19 in Humphrey and Mactier.
Game One was a later Friday night go between the Bears and North Muskoka Lightning. Making a valuable debut was goalie Trenten Brittain who came out strong keeping the score tight going into the 2nd period. This wasn't the same North Muskoka team from the beginning of the season who gave the Bears something to think about with a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period. The Bears went on a scoring spree mid second, with smart and accurate passing, strong skating from all lines ending with a 7-3 victory.
Game Two was a mid day match up with Haliburton. The Bears teamwork was rock solid right from the first face off with consistent, passing, skating and scoring from all lines. The forecheck and backcheck never faltered. Penalties were almost non-existent making the Bears force that much more effective. The Bears defense along with exceptional goal tending kept the Storm scoreless and net minder Dann was superb earning his 1st shut out of the tournament with the Bears coming out on top 8-0.
Game Three was an afternoon head to head with the Parry Sound Shamrocks. Once again the Bears proved that with strong team work, a cohesive bond could not be fractured. Each and every one of the Bears contributed exponentially to the game. The passing was fast and continually on target. The defensive unit lead by captain Ewan Davis was poke checking and dismantling any chance that Parry Sound had with the puck. Euan Greenfield made his scoring debut with a beauty from Downer and Thompson. Once again pipe boss Dann earned his 2nd shut out with the Bears fiercely manipulating the Shamrocks 13-0.
Game Four of the round robin would have pitted the Bears against the Huntsville Otters, but because both teams had 3-0 records, a decision was made to forego the game and head straight to the "A" final.
The "A" Final was a showdown at Noon on Sunday. The Bears were slightly nervous about what could come of this one given that they lost their last match up with the Otters during the regular season. The Otters had consistently shown the Bears that they were hungry and determined. The Bears bond couldn't have been more strong with 3 quick and huge goals coming in the first 3 minutes of the 1st period. Thompson was on fire coming out hard and fast with the hat trick. Feisty and quick Mitchell Hammond scored one and D Man Euan Greenfield extended his scoring streak to 2 making it a 5-0 silencing of the Otters. All pistons were firing for the Bears and once again team work with exceptional passing, skating, minimal penalties and smart plays made the Bears shine brighter than they have all season. Goalie Dann earned his 3rd shut out in a row with some HUGE saves that allowed the Bears to send the Otters home with their tails between their legs.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NORSTAR NOVICE BEARS ON A STELLAR WEEKEND OF HOCKEY and the MPS CHAMPIONSHIP!