The Mitchell Meteors U18 boys sponsored by Hudson's Chevy Buick GMC are Champions of the International Tournament of Champions (Silverstick) hosted in Ennismore. The Meteors proved to be the best of all the Regional Silverstick Champions. The team qualified by capturing the Wingham Regional Silverstick Championship in November advancing to the final. A total of 38 teams competed in the regional qualifiers with the champions being invited to the Finals.
Thursday night the Meteors faced off against Petrolia Oilers (Petrolia Regional Champions). This game featured a back and forth action and ultimately ended with a Petrolia empty net goal to seal an Oilers win 5 to 3.
Friday afternoon the team met the host Ennismore Eagles (Wasaga Beach Regional Champions) in a spirited match. The Eagles played off the rowdy hometown crowd and consistently held a two goal lead on the Meteors throughout the game. A determined Mitchell team mounted a strong third period comeback to battle back and settle for a 6-6 deadlock.
Kemptville Kings (Pembroke Regional Finalist) was the opponent for game three. The Meteors jumped out to a early 2 goal lead and wouldn't look back. In a penalty filled affair, Mitchell's offense lead the way in a 6 to 1 victory.
In semi final action Mitchell would draw Ennismore with a trip to the finals on the line. The Meteors were up to the task playing a very well structured game to silent the Eagles offence. Timely scoring and a complete team effort paved the way for a 3 to 1 Mitchell win.
A rematch from game 1 against Petrolia was set for the Championship. The teams exchange goals throughout the first two periods and heading into the third deadlocked at 3 to 3. The Meteors would take control of the game in the third with three unanswered goals to seal a 6 to 3 win.
It is an incredible accomplishment for a team to win their Regional Silverstick and qualify for the International Finals. To earn the Championship in the Finals tournament requires a total team commitment, strong goaltending, gritty defence, balanced offence and skilled coaching to guide the way to make it happen. The last U18 / Midget team from Mitchell to earn this honour was 2004.
Team members pictured:
Top row (left to right) -Coaches Brady Greb-Weitzel, Scott McLean, Steve Geiger, Kory Dietz.
Third row (l to r) Brett Poirier, Talbot Geiger, Jarrett Van Bakel, Brayden Vosper, Jared Vosper, Connor McLean, Brayden Glauser, Rhett Terpstra, Matthew Crawford, Evan MacArthur, Caleb Templeman.
Second row (l to r) Hayden Nicholson, Tanner Meinen, Connor Lockhart, Vincent Voros, Drew Scherbarth, Dawson Dietz.
Front row (l to r) Thomas Sheldon, Deklan Jermol
