STING Major Atom AA’s win Limestone City Cup AAA Tournament 2014

On Friday, the STING really struggled with their team play in the first (and morning) game of the tournament, losing 1-5 to the Quinte Red Devils. The loss did not sit well with any of them and could severely hurt their chance for a play-off spot. Their second game was much better, with the team flipping the score for a 5-1 win over the SV Rapids. Saturday morning’s game saw the STING playing better as a team, but they still ended up with a 1-2 loss to the Peterborough Petes. For the last game of pool play, the STING played solid for a 5-0 shut-out over the RSL Kings; however, a 2-2-0 record did not look good for a play-off spot. The team would have to wait until Quinte played RSL, the last game of the day, to find out their fate. They needed RSL to beat Quinte. After a quick swim, team meal, team watch of the NFL play-off game, the STING learned that RSL had beaten Quinte 3-0, which meant the STING would be second in the pool and would be playing in the semi-finals against the Gloucester Rangers the next morning! The troops were rallied, the coaches gave the pep talk, and we all hoped for good sleeps and a first morning win of the tournament!
 
Instead of their “usual” morning game, the STING looked determined to not let their opponents into the game, with a quick 3-0 lead at the end of the first period and a 5-0 lead in the second. After 2 quick goals for the Rangers, the STING answered back as quickly with 2 more of their own for a final score of 7-2 and spot in the championship finals – a rematch against the Peterborough Petes.
 
Again, the STING looked determined and were relentless in their efforts to win the Cup. With more solid defence, tenacious backchecking, sweet scoring, stellar goaltending and total team work, they won the finals with a shut-out of 6-0. 
 
Congratulations to the boys on their hard work and determination throughout the downs and ups and downs and ups of the weekend!
 
Great job to the coaches, parents and volunteers for another great travel weekend.