It was
a fun filled weekend of competition, education, arts and culture, and team
building for the Manulife Investments Minor Bantam AA Petes at the Big Bear
Fall Colours Tournament in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Considered one of the most
prestigious Hockey Tournaments in Michigan, The Big Bear Tournament represented
an opportunity for the Petes team to play against USA teams a year older in the
Major Bantam division.
The Manulife Investments Minor Bantam AA Petes came out strong in game one of the tournament on Friday night defeating the Mount Lebanon Hornets from Pennsylvania 6-0. Dawson Cook scored twice for the Petes with single goals to Cole Lester, John Croxson, Nick Stinson, and Thomas Golden. Assists went to Carter Cannon, Isaiah Scott, Jack Ryan Dominic McMorrow, John Hawman and Matt Collyer. Xavier Lehmann earned the shutout for the team.
In game two on Saturday morning the Pete’s continued their winning streak by defeating the West Kent Hawks from Michigan 3-1. Goal scorers were Carter Cannon, John Croxson, and Nick Stinson, with assists to Cole Lester, Dawson Cook, Isaiah Scott, Thomas Golden and Cannon. Ryder Hadwyn played a strong game in net.
Later in the day, in the quarter finals, the Petes pulled off a 3-3 tie against the Bowling Green Ice Cats from Ohio. Dawson Cook, Jack Ryan, and Noah Davidson scored for the Petes assisted by Carter Cannon, Cole Lester, Dominic McMorrow, Isaiah Scott, and Nick Stinson. Xavier Lehmann played in net.
In the semi-finals on Sunday, the Petes lost to the Tecumseh Eagles 4-2 with an empty net goal against the Petes. Carter Cannon and Nick Stinson scored for the team with assists to Dominic McMorrow, Cole Lester and Dawson Cook. Ryder Hadwyn took the loss in net.
During the weekend tournament the team toured Michigan State University Stadium, attended the NCAA Michigan Wolverines vs Vermont game at the Yost Arena, toured and played a tournament game at the Yost arena and met with some of the players on the Wolverine Hockey team.
“The Ann Arbor tournament was a positive team experience for our players and our hope is to build from it,” states Dave McMorrow, Head Coach. “We had some very exciting games and made some improvements in our playing techniques. Everyone contributed to our team success and we came away feeling really positive. We have three games coming up this weekend and we plan to carry this momentum forward.”
“Our boys left the tournament on a high note and this tournament was a great team building opportunity for them,” said Corey Lester, Assistant Coach. “The players and their families were impressed by the facilities and the spirit for sports in the city of Ann Arbor. We all came away with memories for a lifetime.”