The Quick Feet AAA Tykes
demonstrated incredible dedication and perseverance to collect their first
victory of the season this past Saturday at the Spring Kick-Off Tournament at
Dan Snyder Memorial Arena in Elmira.
Following a season opening 8-1 loss to the Brantford Regional Express, the Tykes could have simply deflated and chose to pack it in but instead opted to carry over a strong finish and momentum from a late unassisted marker by Blake Elzinga to rally for a 6-1 win in game two over the Kitchener-Waterloo Jr. Rangers.
“The Brantford team was offensively strong and played great positional hockey,” said Tyke head coach Adam Stanley. “It was a good introduction to the pace and quality of hockey that we can expect to see this spring.
“Despite the lopsided score,” added the coach, “there were many positives to take from game one. The parents and coaching staff were very proud of our team for hanging in there.”
Elzinga led the offensive barrage in the victory over the Rangers by notching a hat trick, while Dante Hannivan, Aiden Stanley and Tate Vader also found the back of the net for the Tykes.
Elzinga, Vader, Jaren Pirie, Luke Marshall, Owen Breen and netminder Tyson Laver chipped in with the assists, while the goaltending tandem of Laver and Austin Stewart collectively sparkled to share the win.
“We were elated to celebrate our first win,” said Stanley. “After discussing our positioning and strategies after game one, we rallied together and played a solid two-way game against the Rangers. We received great goaltending from both Austin and Tyson, and our three defensive lines were able to shut down the Rangers offence.”
In other Tyke news, the team selected its captains for the season following an efficient, high-tempo practice on Sunday morning in Walkerton. Centre Blake Elzinga will don the ‘C’, while defenceman Jeremy Hamilton, centre Jaren Pirie and right wing Aiden Stanley were chosen as assistant captains.
Next up for the Quick Feet Tykes is the fourth annual Thunder Spring Spectacular Tournament, which is slated for May 10-12 in both Stratford and St. Marys.