submitted to EFP
As the 5th annual Lakeshore Lightning Hockey tourney got under way, our Essex Thunder Atom team was anxious to step out on the ice for its first match-up with the host team, Lakeshore white. Essex wasted no time getting pucks to the net, and came out with a huge win.
With a goal against average of zero so far this season, Essex goaltender Grace and her troops stepped out on the ice, for their second battle of the day with the out of town Hamilton Hawks. Essex came out strong again with a 3-0 lead after the first period. The Hawks were no match for the victorious Essex Thunder.
On Saturday morning, the Thunder laced up the skates for game 3 against the local South County Predators. The strong Predators wasted no time clinching a 2-0 lead after the first period. Although down 2 goals, the positive Essex Thunder girls held their heads high and came out, guns-a-blazing in the second period, looking for revenge! Essex wasted very little time blasting its first one into the net! Emotions ran high, and the Thunder pushed forward and defeated the Predators 4-2.
Saturday afternoon brought yet another match-up with the Mooretown Lady Flags. The Thunder mustarded up enough energy after a hard fought battle that morning to defeat the Flags with a 5-0 win. It was now time to rehydrate and rest for the final day of the tourney and face off against the Hamilton Hawks for the semi-finals.
As the semi-final got underway, with the Thunder girls war paint extremely visible on their faces, they looked ready for battle! With a 5-0 lead heading into the third, it was almost inevitable that the Thunder girls were on their way to another championship game.
In the final game, between the Thunder and the Predators, Essex was up 2-1 heading into the second period. However, at the 25 sec mark left in the second, the Predators sniped one in to tie the game and create what would be a nai-biting third period.
The arena was filled with cheers from both sides as the clock counted down. The battle continued with stellar goaltending from both teams, but at the 7:50 mark of the third, Essex blasted a goal by the predators’ goaltender for a 3-2 lead. Essex held off the Predators off for the remainder of the game to give the Thunder, yet another, championship!
These girls showed up and performed like true athletes. Each one showed sportsmanship, respect, and most of all, love for the game. That’s what every coach should expect from their players. It is an honour to be part of such an amazing group!
Without the efforts of all the staff, on and off, the ice, the team could not enjoyed such success. Well done ladies!