This past weekend the North Bay Major Bantam AAA DigSafe Trappers took part in the Big Nickel AAA International Hockey Tournament in Sudbury, Ontario. The Trappers took to the ice for two games on Friday.
The boys could not seem to find their legs, ending the first day of the tournament with two losses; 3-1 to the Oshawa Junior Generals and 5-1 to the Thunder Bay Kings, the eventual tournament winners.
On Saturday, the Trappers needed to win both of their games in order to have a chance to advance to Sunday’s championship round. The Dig Safe Trappers managed to defeat CIHA by a score of 3-1. This was CIHA’s only loss of the round robin.
The win kept the Trappers’ hopes alive, but the team still needed to win their evening game versus OHA, another undefeated team. With excellent team defence and solid goaltending, the Trappers managed to hand OHA their first and only loss of the round-robin. They shutout OHA by a score of 2-0, with Owen Wray getting the shutout.
Despite the two solid victories on Saturday, the Trappers fell 2 points shy of advancing into Sunday’s semi-final action.
The coaches were extremely pleased with the complete team effort put forth during both wins. The Trappers managed to keep their opponents to 1 goal on Saturday while capitalizing on some power plays.
The team also improved on their shot-blocking during the tournament. Next up for the Trappers, the Kitchener Minor Hockey Blueline Tournament.
Minor Bantam
The Minor Bantam AAA Trappers traveled to Toronto to participate in the Shanahan International Tournament.
The Trappers came away with a 0-3-1 record. Despite the record, the Minor Bantam Trappers played well versus some good competition.
The Trappers opened the tournament with a 4-2 loss to eventual champion Buffalo JR Sabres. Anden Ringuette scored both goals for the Trappers. Assists went to Tyler Desmarais, Nico Laforge and Jake Fullerton. Caleb Sanders was solid between the pipes.
The Trappers then lost a tough 2-1 decision to the Clarington Toros. Caelan McAuliffe was solid in net for the Trappers.
Cam MacDonald scored the lone goal with assists going to Todd Violette and Will Perreault. In their third game, the Trappers tied the Burlington Eagles at a goal apiece. Once again the Trappers received solid goaltending from Sanders. Will Bourre supplied the offence with an assist from Fullerton.
In their final game, the Trappers lost 1-0 to the Don Mills Flyers. McAuliffe supplied the Trappers with another strong performance in net.
Despite the results, the coaching staff was very pleased with the boys overall compete level and solid defensive play.
Minor Peewee
The Nipissing Reader Minor Peewee AAA Trappers had a quiet week with just one exhibition game on the weekend as they hosted their rival Nickel City Sons on Sunday afternoon at the Powassan Sportsplex.
In the back and forth affair, the Trappers pulled out a 5-4 overtime victory courtesy of a game-winner by Mathieu Turgeon in the extra session.
Nolan Newton continued his hot hand with three goals, while Masen Wray had the other Trappers tally in the win.
Next action for the Trappers is the Kitchener Minor Hockey Blueline tournament which begins on Friday, November 10th.