by
posted 03/10/2010 CHL U16A Championship
The U16 Storm Black team crowned the CHL playoff weekend with a high energy and a gritty 4-3 win in double OT to clinch the Championship title. Storm Black entered the CHL playoffs with a 27-7-3 record as the second seed of the U16 bracket behind the Greensboro Stars. They had an edgy start to the playoff tournament against Storm Red with a 3-3 tie, easily topped Columbia 15-0, and took Greensboro down with an authoritative defeat of 6-2.
The final game was a rematch against the cross town rival Storm Red where neither team planned to leave without victory! While many eyes were watching the Team USA vs Team CANADA Olympic game on television, there was a game with comparable rivalry being played at the Factory. The U16A CHL Championship game between the Storm Black and Storm Red teams faced off at 3:15PM. From the moment the puck first dropped, both teams played with grit and determination. Each shift seemed calculated and fast paced. At the end of the first period the score remained 0-0. Period 2 displayed similar hard and spirited shifts by both teams, ending in a 0-0 score again. A goal from Bryce Readmond, assisted by Steven Dalgetty of Storm Black came early in the third period but was quickly answered by Brandon Stanley and assisted by Jeffrey Warren of Storm Red. Two more goals from Storm Red’s Ryan Lenzmeier and Caymen Sans, assisted by Greg Resch, Jeffrey Warren, and Brandon Stanley made hopes for a win seem out of reach for Storm Black.
With only 1:15 left in regulation and down two goals, Storm Black called a time out. Laying it all on the line, Storm Black pulled their goalie and 6 skaters lined up on the left circle of the Storm Red goalie—two quick face offs were stopped in the crease. The third face off was won by Storm Black and a quick wrist shot by Alex Kaminski and tipped by Billy Kuriger found the back of the net with 30 seconds remaining in the 3rd period. The score closed to 3-2 with a face off back at center ice; the Storm Black goalie raced to the bench to put the 6th skater back out. With another face off in the offensive zone Storm Black’s Alex Kaminski managed to find the net from just outside the crease to tie the game with only 12 seconds remaining. A stunned Storm Red lingered around the goal as Storm Black celebrated. A final face off resulted in a 3-3 tie at the end of regulation.
With only a 5 minute rest, Storm Black and Storm Red began a 10-minute overtime period—filled with shots, turnovers and hits—snow built up on the ice as the players began to tire and fans became more anxious. Period 4 displayed a lot of hard work, no penalties and no points on the board despite the excitement when the puck hit the net just after time expired. In accordance with CHL rules there was an ice cut before second 10-minute sudden death overtime period.
By the start of the second overtime period, the stands were overflowing with interested spectators. The next scheduled game was between two high school teams that had friends from both teams and the rink was becoming quite a venue for 16 year olds hockey. The puck dropped and the first 35 seconds was full of puck movement and limited scoring opportunities for both team. A line change and a face off, resulted in a Storm Black possession back at the point; two passes, a turnover, and a final pick that put the puck back on the stick of Chris Adamson who took a hard shot from the inside hash marks and snuck inside the goal post. The clock read 9:05 as Storm Black celebrated a hard fought comeback 4-3 win over Storm Red.
Moments later, both teams lined up for the ceremonial hand shake; while the typical minimal touch and eye contact did not take place. These two teams displayed genuine sportsmanship exchanging real handshakes, smiles and sincere statements, and a few hugs as well. This display is what we all as parents, players, coaches, officials, and organizations should strive for in rivalry teams. Everyone involved should be proud of this display of respect and gamesmanship that took place in front of us all. Well done!
