The Novice B Wilmot Wolverines were crowned the champions of the Kitchener Lady Rangers Fallfest Tournament on the weekend. The girls went undefeated in five games and beat an extremely tough team from Markham-Stouffeville in the final game, in an exciting overtime finish, with a score of 2-1. The game was outstanding and kept the 60 plus Wolverine fans on the edge of their seats. Special good luck wishes before the game came to the girls from the Novice Rep Huskies which was much appreciated.
The Wolverines were the team to beat in the tournament and because of the cohesiveness of the team so early in the year, they met with success. Incredible goaltending the entire tournament and great credit goes to Kara Mark. She impacted the outcome of the games by being tough in the net, and staying focused on the play. She made countless saves and kept her team motivated. The Wolverines are also very lucky to have a dedicated coaching staff who motivate their girls, and a committed parent group who cheer positively for the team at all times.
In round robin play, the Wolverines won against the Whitby Wolves 2-0 with both goals going to Carson Weiler. Assists were awarded to Jadyn Calder, Emily Hussey and Sierra Egli. Weiler's second goal was beautiful to watch as she danced around the Wolves, was falling when she shot, then raised the puck high in the corner of the net to score. In game two, the Wolverines took on the fast-skating Roadrunners on the real Auditorium ice and won 2-1. Jenna Kumpf scored both goals for the Wolverines with assists to Hussey, Lauren Bast and Paige Carter. Excellent defensive play by Calder and Maddie McCormick. Kara Mark, the Wolverine net minder was again solid. In game three, a much improved Waterloo Raven team was defeated 3-0. Goals went to Kumpf, Hussey and Calder who skated end to end to launch one in the net. Assists awarded to Calder, and Carter. Excellent hustle by Lindsay Slessor, Paige Jurica and Mikayla O'Connell whose line really worked hard to pass the puck. Kayla Schenk had a terrific game at the blue line and Alisha Latyn skated hard and worked the boards.
In play-off action, the Wolverines met with the Guelph Thunder. The game was very intense and the score went back and forth to a 2-2 tie at the end of the second. In the third period, the Wolverines took control and won the game 4-2. Goals scored by Weiler, Kumpf, Hussey and Calder. Assists awarded to Egli (2), Hussey (2), Calder, Carter (2), and Weiler. Excellent back-checking by McCormick and Schenk. Great game sense shown by Slessor and Jurica.
The final came down to the wire as a tough, undefeated team from Markham-Stouffeville came ready to win. At the end of regulation, the game was tied 1-1. Carter scored the only goal with an assist from Kumpf. The Wolverines went into overtime in a three on three format, and the crowd was restless. Seconds into the five minute overtime, one of the M-S Stars came at Mark head on. Mark made an incredible save and the fans held their breaths. Then, it was the Wolverines turn and they worked so hard to get the puck down the ice. Weiler came from behind the net and Kumpf was the heroine of the game as she shuffled the loose puck into the net and the fans went wild! The Wolverines were ecstatic with their hard work, determination and success. The Stars were an excellent team and accepted the defeat with grace. The game MVP was Carson Weiler and she was quoted after the game, saying, "I think we played really well. I think we did what our coaches told us to. Kara Mark did excellent and made a huge save in overtime."
Congratulations to the Novice B Wolverines! The Fallfest banner will hang proudly at the Wilmot Rec Centre. If you would like to order a Wolverine Rocks! water bottle to help support the team, please contact Lori at [email protected].