The Atom LL1 Wilmot Wolverines, sponsored
by Absolute Fitness, participated in the Jason Cripps tournament December 26th
– 30th in Kitchener with 7 other teams in the Atom division top tier
pool.
In game 1 of round robin play, they played against host Kitchener Red. The host team would score the only goal of the opening period. The Wolverines would get things started in the 2nd period and swing momentum their way with goals by Teagan Vinke and Faith Appleton to lead the game by the end of the period. The Wolverines defensive play would take over once they got the lead limiting the number of chances for the host team. The Wolverines would add 2 more goals in the 3rd period by Olivia Burns and another by Faith Appleton with assists to Audrey Montag and Isabella Mountain-Vieira. MVP player of the game award went to Faith Appleton.
In game 2, the Wolverines would square off against a tough opponent in Ayr 2. The teams would play 2 scoreless periods of hockey with opportunities at both ends. Ayr would however break the tie early in the 3rd period to go ahead 1-0. Despite hitting two goal posts and missing an open net in the dying seconds of the game, the Wolverines could not even the score by the end of regulation time. MVP player of the game award went to Claire Weinacht.
In the final game of round robin play, the Wolverines would play the Atom LL2 Wolverines team. Faith Appleton would score midway through the 1st period and it would prove to be the winner despite opportunities at both ends of the ice during the remainder of regulation time. MVP player of the game award went to Olivia Burns.
The Wolverines would finish round robin play tied for 1st place in their pool with Ayr 2 with 4 points each. Ayr would claim first place with tie break rules though. This would set up a semi-final match against Cambridge Black who had handed the Wolverines their first loss of the season only 3 weeks before.
The Wolverines would dictate the pace of play through the 1st period; however their scoring chances were limited. Teagan Vinke would find the back of the net midway through the 2nd period with assists to Isabella Mountain-Vieira and Olivia Burns. Faith Appleton would add an empty netter with just over a minute left in the game and the Wolverines would win 2-1 to advance to the Finals against none other than Ayr 2 - the only other team to defeat the Wolverines so far this season. MVP player of the game award went to Teagan Vinke.
The Wolverines would be eager for some retribution and came out flying against Ayr to get the advantage early in the championship. Teagan Vinke would score midway through the 1st period with assist to Charlee Harding to put the Wolverines up 1-0. Faith Appleton would add another midway through the 2nd period and goaltender Kasey Livingstone would close the door. The Wolverines would skate to a 2-0 final to claim the Championship. MVP player of the game award went to Kasey Livingstone.
There were also many honorable mentions over the course of the five-game tournament for the Wolverines. Audrey Montag for her consistent coverage on the point when the defense was making a rush; Emmie Fronchak’s great positional play and decision-making with puck possession; Isabella Mountain-Vieira, Aleah Laverty and Charlee Harding for their aggressive fore check; Emily Friendorf with her best 5 games of the season so far and winner of the tournament MVP award.
The Wolverines end the calendar year with a 17-2-1 record and start back into league play on January 07th.