Almaguin Minor Hockey

by Debbie Rogers

Jan 16, 2008

Now is the best time to come out to the local rinks and watch Almaguin’s teams showcase the hard work and dedication they have put into practice throughout the regular season. They’re gearing up for playdowns and some of Almaguin’s most exciting minor hockey of the year is just around the corner.

House League: The novice, atom and peewee house league teams competed in a tournament on Jan. 5 in Burk’s Falls. Four teams participated: the Ice Bears, North Stars, Trashers and Fantastic Four.

A round robin was played with the following results; Game 1 saw the Ice Bears defeat the North Stars 8-0 with Frasor Armstrong recording the shutout. Roy Armstrong led the Ice Bears in scoring with four goals. Clayton Jenkins chipped in with two while singles went to Collin Jennings and Jason Morisette. Game 2 had the Trashers up against the Fantastic Four in a tightly played contest. Oren Morrison and Jessie Jenkins scored for the Trashers with Kurt Ramsperger replying for the Fantastic Four. Both Bryron Derose and Nick Ramsperger were sharp in net in a closely played contest, however the Trashers came out with a win. Game 3 saw the Ice Bears destroy the Fantastic Four 11-4 (there were no stats available at press time), while Game 4 witnessed the North Stars defeat the Trashers by a score of 5-2. Rob Arnold scored twice with singles going to Noah Chapman, Lester Culp and Jordan Wilson. Oren Morrison and Garlan MacDonald replied for the Trashers. After this round of play the A and B finals were determined.

In the ‘B’ final it was a rematch of the Fantastic Four versus the Trashers. Although the Trashers were a confident bunch due to their earlier victory, the Fantastic Four were not going to be denied their time to shine. After falling behind 3-1, the Fantastic Four replied with 4 consecutive goals to snatch the victory. Leading the way for the Fantastic Four was Carl Grin with two goals and singles coming from Reed Percival, Karsten Hildebrandt and Kurt Ramsperger. Bending the twine for the Trashers were Avery Coombs, Roan Morgan and Jacob Couroux.

In the final A championship round, the 8-0 victory by the Ice Bears was a distant memory as the final was a close one. The score went back and forth and with only 1 minute remaining in the game the North Stars were leading 4-3 and poised for the upset. However, the Ice Bears would not let up and tied the game, sending it into overtime. The overtime was non-stop with the Ice Bears finally prevailing 5-4 (no stats available for goals or assists).

Way to work teams!

Novice: This weekend the novices were on the ice three times, starting off with a game under the lights on Thursday in Sundridge. The Devils played strong and hard, taking Gravenhurst by surprise. This team offered Gravenhurst strong defensive and offensive play. Faith Forsayeth scored early in the first with an assist going to Connor Eastough. Pauley netted the second goal, with the Devils holding the lead until well into the third. Mitchell Grant played an exceptional game defensively and Sam Pauley, worked very hard offensively.

The second game of the weekend was held in Parry Sound with a win going to the Parry Sound team. This loss did not deter this group, coming out on Sunday with determination, team effort and individual talent on the line.

The score of 2-0 to the Bracebridge Bears is quite different than their last win against the Ice Devils when they went home with a 10-goal spread. Although every player should be mentioned and congratulated for their efforts, a special pat on the back goes to Owen Johnstone who played a focused and disciplined game between the pipes. This game proved to everyone that playdowns next month will be interesting — and worth the gate fee.

Atoms: The Almaguin Ice Devils hosted the Gravenhurst Flames. At the end of the first period Gravenhurst was up by two goals, but the Ice Devils started to come to life. Through the first and early in the second period Jakob Pauley made some key saves to keep the game within reach. Nathan Austin was able to get the Devils on board mid-way through the second with an assist to Rylan Anger. Simon Holenski scored next for the home side with an assist going to Nathan Austin. For the remainder of the second and throughout the third period both teams had several good scoring opportunities. The tie was finally broken when Dryden Sollman sprung free with a perfect pass from Dakota Grant allowing Dryden to beat the Gravenhurst defenceman, then the goalie. This put the Ice Devils out in front to stay. Final score Ice Devils 3, Gravenhurst 2.

Peewees: This past weekend the peewee rep team hosted Bracebridge B in South River. The Ice Devils played a strong game and won 8-4. Scoring for Almaguin was Connor Lawes with a hat trick, Ralpie Burton with two goals, and singles went to Brady Anger, John Mark Penman, and Britton Whitehead. Dylan Murdoch played well making some big saves in net for the Ice Devils.

The next day the peewees had a double-header against Highland Storm B. In the first game Almaguin needed a goal in the last minute of play to tie the game at 6-6. Scoring for Almaguin were John Mark Penman, Russell Cogan, Brady Anger, Britton Whitehead, Sam Brown, and Bryan Austin. Assists went to Connor Lawes (3), Ralphie Burton (2), Chad Whitney, Brady Anger, and Britton Whitehead.

In the second game Almaguin came out strong with three unanswered goals scored by Britton Whitehead and two from John Mark Penman before the Storm put one by Dylan Murdoch. Assists went to Connor Lawes (3) and Matthew Chapman. In the third, the Ice Devils scored two more times to win the game 5-1. Third-period goals were scored by John mark Penman, giving him the hat trick, and Russell Cogan. Assists went to Brady Anger (2) and Connor Lawes.

Midgets: The Midgets final league game was Jan. 11 in Parry Sound. The home team was anxious for a win to solidify a first place standing in league play for their division. The Ice Devils were just as pumped, looking for their first win over the Parry Sound squad this year. The Shamrocks are a fast skating, skilled passing team that likes to play a very physical game. Darren Stack was a force, making things happen as he wheeled his way up ice and kept Parry Sound on the run. Jon Dunn made a nice move to get the puck over to his team-mate and Almaguin was on the board first with a hard shot taken by Jason “Chappy” Chapman.

Shea Cooper was between the pipes for Almaguin and was called upon to make some very difficult saves. “Chappy” would find the back of the Parry Sound net again with help from Greg Arnold.

The Ice Devils were up 2-0 going into the second but Parry Sound wasn’t going down easily. They fought hard for puck control and were rewarded with a goal making the game a close 2-1 contest. The Shamrocks continued to put on the pressure and netted one more to tie the game.

Almaguin kept up the pace in the second and didn’t back down. A beauty play set in motion by Eric Langford earned him an assist, as he passed over to Corey Rogers who found Greg Arnold in the right spot. Corey passed the puck cross ice, and Greg buried the puck giving Almaguin the go ahead goal.

With only 54.5 seconds on the clock Parry Sound tied the game. The final score was 3-3 but what a game these two teams played!

This ends regular season play for the Midgets who now concentrate on their first round of playdowns which will be between Coldwater or Meaford.

Almaguin Minor Hockey has a new and exciting fundraiser scheduled for Jan. 26 in Sundridge. Casino Almaguin tickets can be purchased at the Kwik Way in Burk’s Falls and South River and in Sundridge at the Blue Roof. The big event is only two weeks away so get your tickets. Funds raised will help in keeping registration costs as affordable as possible, and help keep minor hockey alive and well in Almaguin. Contact Fraser Pauley at 384-0874 with any questions.