This weekend the Aarkel Bantam (TC1) Lakers participated in the Mooretown Jr. Flags HL/LL Tournament.
In a 8 team division consisting of a 4 game Round Robin format the team managed to lock in 1st place with a record of 3 wins and 1 tie. Backing on 12 goals for and 4 against the team secured their ticket to the Semis on Sunday where they were set to face the host team, Mooretown Jr. Flags. Although being in the same league these teams had yet to face each other so the excitement to see the match up was there. The Lakers managed an early goal and it turned out to be enough as they were able to keep the Flags off the score sheet in the 2-0 win.
It was on to the Finals where the match up was set between Wallaceburg and Port Stanley, another team who also was undefeated after Round Robin play with a record of 1 win and 3 ties. This would be the first meeting of the tournament for these two teams and was looking to be an exciting one. Once again the Lakers managed an quick goal and didn't look back as they scored 2 more (1 being an empty netter) to seal the deal with another shutout of 3-0.
From start to finish Wallaceburg enjoyed well deserved success hinging on great goaltending, shut down defense, creative offensiveness and unselfish team play. The Lakers went through 6 different teams to capture the title of "Tournament Champions" all while boasting an undefeated record of 5-0-1, 3 shutouts, 17 GF and 4 GA which calculates to an impressive GF% of .810.
The coaching staff acknowledges the players for their hard work and control as well their ability to overcome the adversities they faced. The team would like to thank all the parents and fans for support over the weekend and look to carry this momentum into the back half of their regular season. GO LAKERS!
"ANY TEAM CAN WIN WHEN THINGS GO THEIR WAY, BUT IT'S THE TEAM WHO OVERCOMES ADVERSITY WHO IS TRULY A CHAMPION!"