Central York goes undefeated, captures gold in thrilling shootout finishOctober 2025
Milton, ON - The U11A Central York Panthers continued their remarkable start to the 2025–26 season with a dominant, undefeated performance at the 15th Annual Canadian Tire WickFest in Milton over Thanksgiving weekend — capped off by a heart-pounding shootout win to claim gold.
The Panthers opened the tournament early Friday morning with a statement victory, shutting out the Guelph Gryphons 8–0. Makinley Tatum wasted no time putting the Cats on the board, jamming home a rebound for her first of two goals in the game, with assists from Belle Davis and Kendall Van Bakel. Offence poured in from throughout the lineup, as six different Panthers found the back of the net: Davis (2), Tatum (2), Heidi Pilon, Kaylee Han, Noelle Bianchi, and Peyton Glaze.
Esso Player of the Game honors went to goaltender Masyn Gagnon, who made 17 saves to earn her third shutout of the season. The Hustle Award went to Heidi Pilon for her relentless two-way play, while Kaylee Han claimed the Heart Award for her steady defensive presence.
The Panthers stayed hot in their second game Friday afternoon, defeating the always-tough Whitby Wolves 5–1. Central York exploded for three goals in the opening frame. Belle Davis opened the scoring on a centering pass from Tatum, with Gwen Windsor adding the second assist. Ella Tsimicalis added to the lead with her first of two goals in the game, assisted by Han and Glaze, while Rachel Ground buried her first of the tournament on a feed from Pilon and Bianchi.
Tsimicalis would strike again in the second period, extending the Panthers’ lead before Grace Milligan capped the scoring on a beautiful setup from Tenley Horton. Whitby managed one goal midway through the second, but Emily Schickedanz stood tall in net, shutting the door the rest of the way to secure back-to-back wins.
Player of the Game went to Kaylee Han, with Grace Milligan earning the Heart Award and Makinley Tatum taking home the Hustle Award.
Facing division rival Markham-Stouffville Stars in game three, the Panthers once again flexed their offensive muscle.
Kendall Van Bakel opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal — assisted by Emma Collins and goaltender Emily Schickedanz. Van Bakel would complete her first hat trick of the season as the Panthers stormed to a 9–1 win. Gwen Windsor was a standout on the scoresheet, collecting three assists, while additional goals came from Bianchi, Pilon, Han, Davis, Ground, and Glaze.
Player of the Game was awarded to Grace Milligan for her two-assist effort. Ground earned the Heart Award scoring in consecutive games, and Tenley Horton was recognized with the Hustle Award after finishing +3 on the night.
With three commanding wins under their belt — outscoring opponents 22–2 — the Panthers entered Sunday morning’s matchup with the Waterloo Ravens needing just one more victory to book their ticket to the gold medal game. The Ravens, however, came out desperate and took an early lead — the first time Central York had trailed all tournament.
The Panthers responded instantly. The line of Milligan, Tsimicalis, and Glaze, a force all weekend, went to work. Just 50 seconds later, Tsimicalis buried her third of the tournament off a perfect passing play from Glaze and Milligan. From there, the Panthers took over — firing 29 shots to Waterloo’s 11. Han, Bianchi, and Van Bakel each added goals in a convincing 5–2 victory that sent Central York to the championship game.
Player of the Game: Makinley Tatum
Hustle Award: Ella Tsimicalis
Heart Award: Gwen Windsor
The championship matchup brought a familiar opponent — the Whitby Wolves, who were rested and ready after a day off. Both teams played a cautious first period, trading defensive stands and limiting chances. The deadlock finally broke midway through the second when the Panthers went to the power play. Windsor held the line at the blue line and fired a shot toward goal, and Van Bakel pounced on the rebound for her fifth of the tournament.
Moments later, the Milligan–Tsimicalis–Glaze trio struck again, with Tsimicalis finishing off a pretty passing play to make it 2–0 heading into the third.
But fatigue began to set in. Whitby clawed back with two third-period goals — tying the game 2–2 with just under nine minutes left. But Central York’s defence tightened late, anchored by always reliable Gabby Desrosiers and rookie defender Emery Hills, who both made clutch plays to help their team preserve the tie.
For the second time in just over a month, the Panthers were headed to a gold medal shootout — a chance at redemption after falling just short in Stouffville five weeks earlier.
Whitby shot first and converted, going up 1–0.
Kaylee “Kiwi” Han answered immediately for the Panthers, ripping a shot top glove to even the score.
Gagnon responded with a key blocker save on Whitby’s next attempt, keeping the game tied.
Van Bakel nearly gave Central York the lead but was turned away on a close glove-side attempt.
The Wolves regained a 2–1 edge on their third shooter.
In a must-score moment, Belle Davis delivered — threading a shot through the five-hole to make it 2–2.
After Whitby’s fourth shooter missed wide, Makinley Tatum had a chance to win it but just missed on a backhand deke that slid inches past the post.
Gagnon made another spectacular blocker save on the Wolves’ fifth shooter, setting the stage for Grace Milligan. The Panthers’ leading point-getter came in slowly, faked to her backhand, pulled the puck to her forehand, and calmly slid it into the open net. Panthers win!
With a perfect 5–0 record, 30 goals scored, and only 6 allowed, the U11A Central York Panthers captured the Canadian Tire WickFest Championship — a well-earned reward for a group that continues to show hustle, heart, and teamwork. “Our girls really came together this weekend and deserved to win this one,” said Head Coach Brian Tatum. “We’re proud of every player in that room. For some of them, this was their first gold medal — and if they continue to play like they did this weekend I’m sure it won’t be their last.”
The Panthers now turn their attention to regular-season play, opening on Sunday, October 19th, on the road against the Markham-Stouffville Stars.
Let’s Go Panthers!