The Valken Patriots participated in the “Mission Cup” this past weekend at Total Roller Hockey in Novi, MI. We competed with the big boys in the 18-u division. The favorite to win it all was Detroit Mission Stars Midgets, however, they got off to a bad start in their first game when the teams goalie went to the wrong rink for their game against the Red Devils. Needless to say they were not in a good mood when they faced their next opponent, which happened to be us. Well we surprised them with patience and very good team play, as we did throughout the tournament which is indicated in the scoring stats and we came out on top 6-3.
Our next opponent was the Red Devils, which had a few Team USA superstars on their roster. The Red Devils did not take kindly to being down by 3 goals against a bunch of 16 year olds and they began to get a “little” rough, to a tune of 54 minutes in penalties and 4 players with game misconducts. Needless to say the Valken Patriots persevered again with superior team play for a final score of 5-1.
Finishing off round robin play our next opponent was Detroit Mission Stars 16u. Not to take that team lightly, but we knew if we won by 4 goals or less, or lost or tied, we would face them in the Championship game rather than facing the Red Devils. So the players once again demonstrated outstanding puck possession and control and won the game 3 to 1.
In the Championship game the Valken Patriots were trying to force the play too much and too quickly in the first period and we only had a 1 to 0 lead entering the 2nd (last period). I told the boys to slow it down and not to force it, let the other team over commit and then take advantage of the odd man rush. I am happy to say they listened and we scored 3 quick goals. Unfortunately one of our own players redirected a pass into our own net, so our goalie did not get his shut out. Although we told him he actually did as the other team did not “technically” score on him, his own team-mate did. Final score 6-1.
The MVP of the tournament was Valken Patriot Ryan Alman.
The best goalie of the tournament was Valken Patriot Jamie Daniels with a .813 SV% and 1.50 GAA.