Radville -
With the Nats getting off to a slow start in the first round only to get some momentum built up heading into round two they would not look back.
Round two began on home ice in Radville vs a very strong defensive team in the JL Club from Estevan. However at the other end of the ice was also a very strong offensive club from Radville, and this game would prove to be no different. Jackson Soanes opened the scoring in the first period with the assist going to Austin Gerle, and the Nats would skate to a 5-0 victory with some not only strong offence, but with what was also the #1 rated defence. Austin Tiszauer would record another shutout, while Jackson Soanes would get the hat trick with 1 assist. Austin Gerle 1 goal and 1 assist, Dylan Cherpin getting an unassisted goal, and Rhett Labbie would notch a couple assists in this one as well.
Game #2 of the best of 3 would shift to Estevan. This game would prove to be a very exciting playoff game with JL's back against the wall. It would be back and forth until late in the 3rd when the Nats would open it up winning the series in 2 straight games and advancing to the League final. Rhett Labbie and Austin Gerle would both get the hat tricks in this one with Rhett adding an assist. Jackson Soanes and Kennedy Hoffart would also get pitch in with an assist.
With Bengough defeating Radville team #2 in the semi-final, they would face the same jersey's, but with different players, and a much different outcome. The Nat's #1 defence would continue to be very solid from the likes of the Liebreich's, Macy and Garrett, Adam Freddy Frederick, and the Tiszauer's, d-man Travis, and net minder Austin! Game #1 Vs Bengough would be very tight with the Nat's leading the majority of the game with a 1st period goal by Rhett Labbie. In the 3rd, Bengough would finally solve Austin and tie it up, only to see Britney Bolton, with a great feed from Jackson Soanes, take a couple strides, bear down and put the old wrist shot past a very solid net minder in Dalton Dosch. Jackson had been putting the puck on Britney's stick all night, and very close she had come every time. I told her, keep it up, it's going to go in eventually and sure enough she came away with the game winner. Great shot Brit! Dylan Cherpin would also add an assist.
Game #2, the Nat's only one victory away from a league Championship, would prove to be no different. 1-1 after 1 period, 2-2 after 2 periods and no scoring to be registered by the officials in the 3rd. By registered I mean the Nat's had 2 goals called back. A very well played game by both teams would only deserve to see overtime. With some very hard work, the odd sacrifice of a shift or two, Rhett Labbie would find himself busting down the boards headed for the corner when he let one of his quick wrister's off towards the net catching goalie Dalton off guard putting it by him propelling his team to a League Championship title! Funny thing is, Rhett had been getting trouble all season from, me in particular, for shooting from such a bad angle, but this would prove to have been the best shot available! Great shot Ripper, and a very nice finish to a very good year! Rhett would also get another goal with an assist. Austin Gerle would get a goal, and Adam Frederick would get two assists.
The end result isn't always the tell tale sign on success, but this year definitely is. Our Atom division took 20 kids, split them up equally, finish 1st and 2nd in the standings, as well statistics with one team winning the Championship! A great group of kids, parents and year for all of you! This is something that will never be taken away kids, and will stick with you the rest of your lives!
Have a great spring and summer, and we will see you next year!
Jamie Soanes, Coach
