"Do you believe in miracles?" Walkers Heating and Cooling U13 Rep Team does. On Sunday afternoon the Storm swept into the Shores Recreation Centre in Forest, Ontario and won the first International Silver Stick title in the history of the Highland Storm.
After going 4-0 in the preliminary round against four other regional champions from Columbus (Ohio), Dresden, West Niagara and Frontenac, the Storm were up against the scrappy Ice Dogs from Arran-Elderslie. The Storm made use of their speed and passing to create space and generate goals from Travis Rowe (2), Chase Kerr and Henry Neilson to secure a 4-0 win behind the shut-out goaltending of Blake Hutchinson. Strong defensive support from Levi Rowe, Hudson Meyer and Tyler Hughes kept Arran-Elderslie at bay while forwards Lyla Degeer, Cruize Neave, Hawksley Dobbins, Linus Gervais, Jaxon Hurd and Brycen Harrison were all over the ice with incredible forechecking and back checking generating chances. Marshall Heasman was again at the ready if needed in goal as the Storm brought home the title.
For head coach Scott Neilson this finishes what he started last year after a narrow loss in the semi-finals. Supported by Assistant Coaches James Reilly, Shawn Walker, Trainer Marcus Rowe and Team Manager Cynthia Hutchinson the U13 team was well prepared, organized and motivated.
For the kids, the banners that will hang in Minden and Haliburton will represent memories that will last a lifetime. Go Storm!