Mar 24, 2024 | Kevin Cordiner | 45 views
U16 AA Renegades are York Simcoe Champions
After finishing out the regular season as the top seed in the U16 AA loop, the team set out on a long and challenging playoff run. Throughout the 12 game qualifying round, the team battled hard and worked through some adversity against Richmond Hill, Upper York and Stouffville. The boys earned their way to the top spot in this round posting a 8-2-2 team record, finishing in the top spot for their division.
The second round would be against our local Battle of Yonge St. opponents - the Aurora Tigers. Who had played some excellent hockey earning their spot in the semi finals. After Aurora came out flying taking the first game with a score of 2-1 Newmarkets back was against the wall. They needed to win the next two games in order to earn a spot in the York Simcoe Finals. The Renegades shot out to an early lead in game two but Aurora battled back making the game close. In the end the Renegades held off and won game 2 winning 4-2. The series was now on to a third and final game. The third game was just as exciting, in a tight battle, the Renegades held on for a 2-1 win for a spot in the YSMHL championship and earning a spot in the OMHA finals tournament!
Facing the Barrie Colts, one of the top teams in the league in the finals was going to be a big challenge. In game 1 the boys rose to the opportunity, working their way to a 2-0 win on the back of a 2 goals effort from Andrew Brown and some incredible goaltending by Christian DiRezze. Game two was another intense game, the boys played to a 2-2 tie, a strong performance from our Captain Logan Grams who scored 2 goals in the game. Game three was back at home with a chance to clinch the first ever YSMHL championship for this group. The team jumped out to an early 2 goal lead on goals from Jimmy McLaren and an amazing power-play goal from Logan Grams, but Barrie quickly got right back in to the game scoring two quick goals to tie it up. With and amazing individual effort Ryan Shaw put the team ahead for good!
I wanted to take a minute to thank the players, families, and coaches for what has been an incredible season so far. The stands are always packed with full support and it helps to fuel our team. Seeing the growth of these young men on the ice and off the ice brings an incredible sense of pride for all of our coaching staff. This groups is incredibly close and love being at the rink together - our team motto of ‘HOLD THE ROPE” has taken on a meaning of its own as they continue to grow as a team, all moving towards our common goal. Our focus now shifts to the OMHA championship - we didn’t come this far, to just come this far!
We are so excited to be one of 5 teams representing the Newmarket Minor Hockey Association in the OMHA championships, and wish our U10AA, U11AA, U12AA and U18BB teams the very best of luck.