Major Atom A - Winterlude Champions

The Rangers began play Saturday morning against the RSL Kings where they quickly set the tone of the game with a goal 35 seconds in to the first period. This was followed up by 2 more goals late in the first. In the second the Rangers continued to pour on the pressure scoring four goals in the period. The third was quiet for the Rangers allowing one goal by the Kings. Final score 7-1.

The Rangers later met the Essex Youth Hockey. They proved no match for the determined Rangers who scored one minute in to the first. They dominated the game and went on to score two more goals in the first, one in the second and two in the third. Final score 6-0.

Sunday brought excited Rangers back to the rink to face the Ottawa Sting. The Rangers again opened the game with a goal after one minute of play. This time the Sting however were equally determined and played strong defense holding the Rangers to the one goal in the first. The second was an even battle with much end to end play with the Rangers scoring one goal. The third continued with much of the same and each team scoring once. Final score 3-1. This game gave the Rangers 6 points and a guaranteed place in the finals Monday.

The Rangers last round robin game saw them meet the Silver Seven Black. Both teams had almost identical records with 6 points. The Rangers had scored 16 goals and only allowed 2, the Silver Seven similarly had scored 17 goals and allowed 3. Regardless of the outcome of this game both teams would face each other Monday morning in the finals. This game was a battle for who would be the home team the next day and about setting the tone for the final game. Both teams came out and matched each other's play. The Silver seven scored first The Rangers stayed focused and answered back. The Silver Seven managed one more taking the lead 3-1 ant the end of the first. The second saw increased physical play and another quick goal by the Silver Seven. The Rangers didn't let down and scored two goals of their own ending the second down by one goal. The third proved to be a battle to the end. The Rangers played hard and scored two goals taking the lead 5-4. Unfortunately with 22 seconds left in the game the Silver Seven tied the game. Final 5-5. The Rangers finished the round robin in first place with a 0.75 over the Silver Seven's 0.73. A tight battle in the final was defiantly developing.

The Rangers met the Silver Seven Monday morning at Barrett Arena in front of many excited fans. The boys excited to have advanced managed to stay focused and prepared for a battle. The first proved to be an evenly matched period with both teams playing smart hockey and staying focused. The first ended scoreless and left many fans with butterflies in the stomachs. The second continued evenly matched with many opportunities from both teams stopped by solid goaltending. The Silver Seven managed the first goal answered back by the Rangers first goal, a rocket shot by the defense. One more went in for the Silver Seven ending the second with the Rangers down by one. It looked like the game would continue to be tight but the Rangers came out in the third determined not only to win the final but to show they could also dominate the period. Another rocket shot by the defense form the blue line tied the game and gave the Rangers the boost they needed. The Rangers controlled the rest of the period scoring 5 more goals and winning the game 7-2. The Rangers proved that when they play smart hockey, Ranger hockey they are unbeatable.

MVPs of the tournament go to #3 GUS, #5 WALSHIE, #7 WHEELS, #9 ROCKET, #11 MOOSE, #13 MONEY MAKER, #15 WILDMAN, #17 WARRIOR, #19 BUBBLES, #21 JELLY BEAN, #23 A-RAM, #25 SPACEMAN, #27 C-TRAIN, #29 BURKIE, #31 FROHAWK, #33 JAKE THE SNAKE AND #35 KIPPER. The Rangers would like to thank Brendan, Tristan and Ryan who stepped up and filled in for injured Rangers during the tournament. You were all pivotal in getting the Rangers to the final and are as much a part of their victory as the other 17 Rangers!

Submitted by Tawnya Shimizu