The Innisfil Winterhawk U13 LL #2 don't know how to give up and that is what this group of boys did again this past weekend. March 31- 2 April 2023 the boys regrouped after a tough OT loss to end their playoff run and entered the Bill Whitbread Memorial Hockey Tournament in Caledon East. This determined team with the generous sponsorship of Palm-Air Group, and Premier Home Renovations, played an outstanding tournament and were labelled the underdogs and that triggered the fire within, a new level of compete was triggered.
Friday the boys put up a tough battle and were defeated in their first game losing to the Grand Valley Twisters 3-2. The second game the boys bounced back and handed a swift defeat to the host team, Caledon Hawks with a 5-1 win, sitting 1-1 after day 1. The 2nd day, a new opponent , Minden Minor hockey tried to play spoiler but the Winterhawks with a total team win, closed off the division with a 2-1 record with one of the best GF% and were granted the wild card spot our of 12 teams, advancing to the semi finals.
In the Semi finals, the only team to beat the Hawks was the Grand Valley Twisters. This Hawks team dug deep and won the game 6-4 with grit and determination, learning from the mistakes they made their only loss. The Hawks were now heading for the tournament final.
This group of boys, still the underdawg, came together as one powerhouse to face the Durham Crusaders, the only undefeated team in the tournament. This Winterhawks team brought their best effort, showing the Crusaders that no Winterhawk ever rolls over and gives up. At the end of 3 periods stood the underdawg hoisting the Bill Whitbread championship trophy at centre ice, closing off a memorable year for this group of boys, no, this group of young men.
Congratulations U13 LL #2 for yet another tournament championship game, You made the finals in all 4 tournaments you entered and were crowned champions 2 separate times, and received championship hardware in all four tournaments throughout the events.
You have made the coaching staff very proud!! Remember you are capable of accomplishing anything you want if you work hard, have a positive attitude, and never ever give up.
Ross, Mike, Kevin, Jeff and Mark - U13 LL #2 - Coaching team