From February 13 to 15, the Hespeler Classic Hockey Tournament welcomed 11 determined U9 Select teams, and our Ajax Pickering Raiders U9 Select team stepped up to deliver a championship performance. This Raiders team went 3-0-1 in the round robin, earning 3rd place playoff seeding. The Raiders carried this momentum into the playoffs with sharp defence, crisp passing, and strong finishing
In the semi-final, they faced a familiar opponent, the Dorchester Dragons, a rematch of their round-robin tie game. This time the Raiders turned the tables decisively, powering to a commanding 6-2 victory. The offensive surge was provided by Paul Den Decker (1), Logan Stevenson (2) and Dane Cotter (2) and Austin Harrington (1), while the game MVP was Nolan Daley for his outstanding defensive play.
The final brought a classic showdown against a gritty Brantford 99ers team that had won all their round-robin games. The game was packed with nail biting moments, close calls, and momentum swings. The Raiders fell behind by a goal early in the first period, but they remained composed and fought back with heart and resilience, evening the score in the third period on a goal by Logan Stevenson. In a thrilling finish, Logan Stevenson was awarded a penalty shot in the final moments of the third period. The Brantford goalie stopped him. Not to be outdone, Logan scored the shorthanded game-winner with just 1:44 left in overtime, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 victory and hoisting the tournament championship! For his heroics, Logan was named the MVP in the Championship game.
Congratulations to every member of the Raiders U9 Select team, you’ve shown what minor hockey is all about: teamwork, perseverance, and never giving up. This U9 Select Raiders team is currently undefeated in league play, their next game is Friday February 20th vs the Clarington Thunder at South Courtice Arena (A), puck drop at 6pm.
Go Raiders!
Team Photo
1st: Mikhail Kassam / Ryan Arbic
2nd: Austin Harrington, James Shortt, Louis Dasilva, Jack Sleath, Klay Hunt, Arley Thacker, Nick Vrantsis
3rd: Jack Aitken, Nolan Daley, Dane Cotter, Ezra Fernandez, Cole Coady, Logan Stevenson, Carter Flude, Paul Den Decker
4th: Dylan Harrington, Rafiq Kassam, John Flude, Darryl Stevenson, Kyric Aitken, Chris Cotter, Pieter Den Decker