The NMHA U18A team won gold in dramatic fashion Sunday in Cleveland at the Rock N Roll Classic Hockey Tournament.
The U18A team is now 2 for 2 in tournament play, going back-to-back with championships at both the Newmarket Early Bird & Cleveland Rock N Roll Classic!
After going undefeated in round-robin play with stellar goaltending and a never quit attitude by the entire team, our U18A team faced a highly ranked Wheatfield Blades hockey team from western New York in the semi-final game.
A tough battle for the entire team featuring great goaltending and back and forth throughout the entire game. Our resilience paid off with a 3-1 victory, paving the way to an appearance in the championship game Sunday.
The final game saw a rematch against the Amherst Knights. Our round-robin game was heated where strong passions were on full display, resulting in a 4-4 tie.
The boys were determined to come out from the start and own this game. After a solid start in the opening period showing dominance and puck possession, the U18A team found themselves on the short end of bad bounces and questionable penalties - resulting in being down 3-0 part way through the opening period.
A quick team reset and never die attitude by every player allowed us to chip away for the balance of the game. While many likely wrote us off in the first period, this commitment and dedication gave us the confidence to end up tied 5-5 by the end of the 3rd. A 5 minute 4v4 OT began with us controlling the play right from the beginning. The opposing team took an ill-timed penalty allowing us to capitalize with the extra man and burying the puck for the tournament win!
Congratulations to all the players and staff for a successful tournament in Cleveland! One that will not be forgotten by anyone there!
GO RENEGADES GO!