The Midget A Lions represented the Outaouais in the first weekend of April in an inter-regional tournament in St. Gabriel de Brandon, Que.
The team was proud and eager to prove their abilities to the rest of the province and so were their fans. A delegation of approximately 60 Pontiacers travelled to the Laurentides-Lanaudieres region to cheer on their favourite team.
The first game was played on April 4 and after a day of travel it was hard to guess the outcome. However, the team played hard and after two scoreless periods, they were able to put three quick goals up on the board for a 3-2 win against a team from Ryoun-Noranda. Goals went to Ryan Lang (2) and Jaden Stewart with assists coming from Evan Atkinson (2), Willis Egan (2) and Nick Curley.
Game two was played on April 5 against a home town team. This was a rough and tumble game with many of our Lions players hurting by the final buzzer. Unfortunately, the Lions fell 5-1. The lone goal was scored by Evan Atkinson assisted by Carson Rusenstrom.
The tournament format allows a loss up until the third game so after game two the boys went back to the hotel to recoup for the next day.
Game three took place on April 6 against the Mustangs from the Mauricie region.
First period action was tight with the Lions being the more dominant team but with both goalies playing well, no scoring took place. The second period was hard on the Lions as the referee’s seemed to favour putting us in the box. The Mustangs took a 2-0 lead.
The third period was intense as both the players and fans were intent on a win. Atkinson with help from Stewart and Cole Sheppard netted the Lions first goal of the game with 43 seconds left on the clock. As the Mustangs took a penalty, the Lions pulled their goalie and put six players out against their four. The crowd was on their feet with a scoring opportunity within reach. The Lions pushed hard and although they managed a couple of close shots to tie the game, the buzzer sounded before the puck could be buried. Final score was 2-1 for a loss.
This ended the tournament play for the Lions but the coaches were proud of their players who played a great game and didn’t quit. Although the outcome wasn’t as hoped, the team ended their season with their heads held high.
The team appreciated the many supporters who followed their journey throughout the season. See you next year.
Submitted by Diana Desabrais
