The U11 DS Panthers went into the Durham West Bolts and Hearts Tournament united as a team ready for the challenge.
The tournament kicked off with a 4-0 with against a great team from North Halton with Abigail W. earning the shutout.
Friday afternoon's game saw the girls carry most of the game against a tough London team, but a couple unlucky bounces late in the 3rd period brought down the Panthers 2-0.
Saturday morning, the girls got back on track with with a strong win against a ferocious Scarborough team, lead by an 8 point performance by Uijin C!
After a 9 hour break, the girls got back to business. After falling down 1-0 early against a very good Burlington team, the girls settled down in the 2nd period, and finished strong, eventually prevailing 5-1. Scoring was balanced with all 5 goals scored by different players. Defender Avery F. lead the way with 1 Goal and 1 Assist.
Mother Nature decided to get into the tournament as well, and made the 7:30AM Sunday Semi Final one to remember.
The game went back and forth against a speedy team from Kingston, with regulation ending 1-1. Overtime brought 4 on 4 hockey, and the pace was incredible. Abigail W. faced a breakaway with about 2 minutes left and made a huge save to keep the game going. With 15 seconds left, Olivia K. went to the net following up a great show from Kaylee H. and banged in the rebound to send the Panthers to the Finals for a rematch with London.
After a lot of back and forth on if the game was going to be played or not due to weather, the final went on, and the Panthers were ready!
Neither team was able to score in the 1st period with excellent defense and goaltending on display. Kaylee H. opened the scoring half way through the 2nd and the Panthers never looked back. Khloe M. added 2 goals in the 3rd period and Avery M. earned a shutout in what ended up being a 3-0 Win to bring home the Gold Medal.
Avery M. and Abigail W. provided stellar goaltending the entire weekend.
Defenders Avery F., Brianna B., Libby M., Jenny W., Madeleine K. & Briar D. kept the offense at bay and protected our zone each and every game.
Forwards Olivia K., Uijin C., Kaylee H., Shaili B., Khloe M., Chloe D., Taylor S., Lara C. & Emma C. kept the pressure on all weekend not letting opposing goalies rest.
Congratulations girls on an amazing tournament weekend!