Nov 01, 2016 | mfarrugia | 1674 views
FCI Windows Minor Atom AA Petes make an amazing debut in the Detroit Bauer Motown AAA Invitational
This
past weekend, the FCI Windows Minor Atom AA Petes demonstrated their team
effort and individual ability when they made it all the way to the championship
game at the Bauer Motown AAA Invitational.
Despite losing in overtime 2-1, the team answered a lot of questions as
to whether they could play at the AAA level.
The Petes started slow in their first game versus the Florida Alliance Elite AAA squad on Friday morning, losing 3-2, but this did not deter our players. The Petes outshot Florida and totally dominated them in the third, but the team could not find the equalizer. Goals: Wil McFadden, Ryder Perry. Assists: Drew Calderwood, Nole Faulkner and Brayden Boughton. In Goal: Nick Fournier
The Petes next game, that evening, was against Oakville Rangers AAA with a "do or die" mentality; another loss would have ended any chance of quarter final play. The Petes were able to pull off a 4-3 win with a lot of back and forth play that saw a tremendous amount of scoring chances for both sides. Goals: Cohen Bidgood, McFadden, Perry, Charlie Mundell. Assists: Boughton, Dawson Corfe, Kaydn Farrugia, Faulkner, and Bidgood. In Goal: Landon Smelt
On Saturday morning the Petes faced off against the Windsor spitfire AAA squad, and they arguably played one of their best games this season by limiting Windsor's shots on net. Nick Fournier led the goaltending with a huge 6-1 win. Goals: Faulkner (3), Chamberlain, Perry, McFadden. Assists: Bidgood (2), Leahy (2), Calderwood (2), Perry (2), McFadden, Mundell, and Nathan McHattie. In Goal: Nick Fournier
With the crucial win against Oakville and the win over Windsor, the Petes locked up the 4th seed and moved onto quarter-finals to face the Seacoast Spartans AAA of New Hampshire; a team who are currently ranked 26th in the US. The Spartans came out quick but Petes’ goaltender, Landon Smelt, held them at bay which allowed The Petes to revamp their game plan. The Petes were able to get on the board first, and they rolled all the way to a 6-2 win; moving them into the semi-finals and a rematch against the Oakville Rangers AAA squad. Goals: McFadden (2), Reed Chamberlain, Mundell, Perry, Faulkner. Assists: Chayse Scott (2), Perry (2), Bidgood (2), Leahy, Farrugia and Corfe. In Goal: Landon Smelt
In the semi-final game, both Oakville and Peterborough battled hard as open ice became a premium. The Petes found themselves trailing 2-1 heading into the third period, and after an intermission pep talk from Coach Mike, who told the boys, "all of the pressure is on Oakville, they have to beat you...you guys have already proven that you belong here...let's just go and have some fun", the Petes went on to score 4 unanswered goals earning a 6-2 win to advance to the finals. Goals: McFadden (2), Perry (2), Chamberlain, Bidgood, Assists: Calderwood (2), Farrugia (2), McHattie (2), Perry, McFadden, Faulkner and Leahy. In Goal: Nick Fournier
The FCI Windows Minor Atom AA Petes, not letting their first game loss deter them, had earned their spot to the championship game against the Richmond Hill AAA Coyotes. In the finals, the Petes out chanced the Coyotes early, but they failed to execute on two empty net opportunities and a breakaway. The Coyotes had limited chances in the first, but they were able to capitalize on a goal mouth scramble, taking a 1-0 lead going into the second period. The second period was no different than the first with the teams exchanging opportunities as the pace started to pick up. Both teams never gave an inch; keeping quality scoring chances to a minimum. The third period was more one sided as the Petes carried the play and momentum was starting to build. Unfortunately, the Coyotes goalie was red hot; foiling a number of chances for the Petes to tie the game. The Petes finally scored the equalizer with 59 seconds left in regulation, tying the game at 1-1. The game ended in a 1-1 tie sending the Petes into a 4 on 4, five-minute overtime period. Unfortunately for the Petes, the game did not end in their favour as one of the Coyotes' forwards was able to gain the zone, cut across the middle and fire a shot just inside the post, beating Smelt.
At the end of the game coach Matt Faulkner said, “Obviously our boys are disappointed as they were so close to pulling off such an amazing feat but they all know how proud we are of each and every one of them."
When asked about the games played this weekend, coach Mark commented on the value of team play: “We needed a full team effort to accomplish what we have done so far this weekend. Our goal is to develop as a team, and not just a select few, as we understand what it takes to win crucial games and championships."
The Petes have been building on their team play since the start of the season with some ups and downs. Back in September, the Petes loss in the Kawartha Lakes semi-finals was the building block for future success.
Coach Michael Farrugia was quoted after that semi-final loss saying "that's only going to build character for the boys, and we will find a way to turn the loss into a positive".
A lesson was definitely learned that day and the coaching staff made sure the team was well equipped for the next time they found themselves in the same situation where they were down late in the third. They didn't have to wait too long to test that lesson as they found themselves down 2-1 late in third period against Whitby in the Edge Again Cup championship game only a few weeks later. The Petes were able to score with 2:46 seconds left in the game, tying the game at 2-2. The Petes ultimately went on to win the game in double overtime and became the first Peterborough team to win the Edge Again Cup.
The Petes are back in action this weekend as they visit Whitby Friday night, host Clarington Saturday and Whitby on Sunday. They will look to stay perfect in league play and to maintain their #1 Ontario ranking.