March 3 & 4 - MPS LL TournamentThe weekend of March 3 & 4 brought on the MPS LL playoffs in Sundridge. A determined regular season effort earned the Envotek team a spot in the A pool which was reserved for the top 4 teams in the league.
Having gone a combined 2-6 against the top three powerhouse teams of Almaguin Ice Devils, Hunstville Muskoka Custom Electric, and South Muskoka Blakewood Construction, the team was the undeniable underdog going into this tournament. The loss of two players due to illness on Saturday made the challenge even more daunting for the boys. However, Envotek was determined to continue riding their high of sweeping the Barrie tournament championship just a few weeks before.
The first game saw Envotek face off against Huntsville Muskoka Custom Electric, who had beat Envotek in 2 of their 3 meetings during the regular season. The boys played to their team strengths perfectly with a strong defence and transitioning into offensive opportunities without any hesitation. This, combined with reliable goaltending when called upon to make key saves, resulted in an impressive 3-0 win to open the tournament!
Player of the game for this game was Ben, who played his typical rock-solid game between the pipes, and made some amazing saves to preserve the shutout.
The next game saw the team run up against the undefeated Almaguin Ice Devils squad. The kids found out early in the game the level of play they would have to meet to skate with the Ice Devils, resulting in an early 3-0 deficit. However, the team found their skating legs after that, resulting in an entertaining back and forth affair for the remainder of the game. Almaguin found the net 2 more times, and Envotek responded with a goal of their own in the third period, to make it a 5-1 final.
Player of the game was Noah, who continued his recent scoring surge with a goal, and played a strong up and down game on the wing, digging for the puck and creating scoring chances.
The third game of the day was for second place in the round robin against nemesis Blakewood Construction. The Blakewood team had been playing its best hockey of the season lately and pinned two losses on Envotek in the end of the regular season. This contest provided three periods of exciting hockey for the supporters in the stands, with the score standing at 2-1 for Envotek late into the third, until an insurance goal made the final 3-1. This secured 2nd place in the round robin with 2 wins for the kids, and another match up scheduled against Blakewood for the semi-finals.
Player of the game was Kallum, who continued his stellar play on defense, shutting down the opposition and providing an offensive punch with a goal.
Sunday brought the semi-final playoff round, and the intense rematch against Blakewood Construction. It also marked the welcomed return of the two sick Envotek players who missed Saturday’s action. With both teams well rested and hungry for victory, the pace of play in this game was even quicker than the day before. Envotek broke free with a breakaway goal midway through the first period and hung on to the lead throughout the game. A second goal gave the team a bit of breathing room and they were able to clamp down defensively and preserve the shutout with a 2-0 win against this tough opponent.
Player of the game for the semifinals was Chris, who notched a breakaway goal with a laser beam shot and played his typically strong two-way game.
Envotek’s outstanding play earned them one final shot at the now 19-0 Ice Devils in the A division finals. The team came out ready to play and provided Almaguin with a worthy foe, fighting for every puck and skating hard. However, the storybook ending to the weekend fell just short, with Almaguin coming away with a hard fought and well deserved 3-0 victory. The boys heart, determination and teamwork throughout the weekend earned them 2nd place overall in the league, which was yet another amazing accomplishment for this remarkable group of young athletes!
Player of the game for the finals was Wyatt, who skated hard all game long, checked tenaciously, and nearly broke the shutout on a breakaway after speeding past the opposition.