Huskies Gain Respect at Elite Tourney

During a typical festive break from league play, the Hamilton Huskies 9AAAs participated in a holiday tourney that would see the likes of top teams in Ontario and even the US. The Richard Bell Memorial Tournament in Oakville attracted 170 teams to play in over 400 games in all divisions ranging from AE to AAA levels, whereby the Huskies competed in a grouping of 18 teams, and battled through the toughest division that would eventually advance three of the eight finalists and crown the tournament champions. With each team and each player competing to the maximum of their potential, it was a showdown that all in attendance enjoyed.
After a solid opening win but a slight shortfall in the second game of day one, the Huskies had their work cut out for them on day two as they faced two strong G-teams, one of which is top ranked and the second which they have come close to defeating in former tournament play. Most assumed that the glass was lined with fans in attendance to watch Toronto, but in was the Huskies who raised eyebrows that morning as they held off the Marlies during two scoreless periods by delivering a stellar performance full of grit and tenacity that was unexpected to only the unfamiliar faces. Although an empty-netter would defeat Hamilton’s final effort, the game was the closest one delivered to the Toronto team while equally breaking their high-scoring shutout record.
In an established rivalry between the Huskies and the Senators, it was Hamilton who opened the scoring, creating excitement for the balance of the game, performing solidly once more, though unfortunately Mississauga would eventually overtake them in the final minute of the third.
Although Hamilton may have benefitted from lighting the lamp a few more times during this tournament, they did not allow many goals either, and their losses were close and well battled ones. Both net-minders saw more rubber than the 401, while offensive and defensive units stood on their heads to challenge the odds. In the end, however, what may be taken from this experience is the dignity and pride with which the Huskies represented themselves against some tough opposition in a division that both challenged them as well as demonstrated that they belong in what some might otherwise perceive to be an impenetrable AAA zone. While conceding to a disappointing early dismissal from the competition, Hamilton revealed a team and a game that earned the respect of others as even after their departure, the hallways echoed with praise and an abundance of complementary superlatives that look forward to future encounters.
Brampton 45s 1 Hamilton Huskies 5
Hamilton Huskies 1 Markham Waxers 4
Hamilton Huskies 1 Toronto Marlies 3
Mississauga Senators 2 Hamilton Huskies 1