The Tavi Titans LL2 team took home gold over the Family Day Weekend at the 20th annual Bob Black Memorial Tournament in Oshawa.
Titans opened up their tourney with a game vs the host Durham Crusaders. After a spirited back and forth game it was the Titan who claimed a 2-1 win. After falling behind early on an awkward angle Tavi appeared to take the lead from a point shot, but after review the goal was disallowed. Not long after Desmond Hart had a seeing eye roller find the back of the net to tie it at 1. Chloe Gillespie tallied her first of the weekend on the power play which turned out to be the Game Winner! Alex Zehr turned away would be scorers as the game wore on and ultimately picking up the first win of the event.
Game 2 saw Tavi back at the arena after a team lunch and a quick visit to Pro Hockey Life to take on the Carleton Place Kings.
Tavi jumped out 1-0 early in the first period when Peyton Smith scored following his own shot around the net to bury his first of the weekend. 4 minutes later Desmond Hart picked up his 2nd of the weekend with a shot off the hash mark, and under 2 minutes later Chloe Gillespie picked up her 2nd to make it 3-0 after the 1st. Score remained 3-0 into the 3rd when Peyton Smith scored his 2nd of the game making it 4-0. Alex Zehr again was strong between the pipes picking up the shutout!
Tavi was tied for 1st in the pool after day 1 at 2-0 and received a well deserved sleep in Saturday before their afternoon game vs Metcalfe Jets. The Jets entered the game at 3-0 after an early morning win. Back and forth action in the first period Desmond Hart clanged one of the crossbar, and Metcalfe responded with one of their own in the back of the net to take a first period lead 1-0. It’s 2-0 as the 2nd period got under way when Metcalfe scored 3 minutes in. Titans cut the lead in half 2-1 when Gavin Reeves had a picturesque one timer in the slot on the pass from Desmond Hart. Tavi would have plenty of scoring chances but the Metcalfe Jets tender was up to the challenge and that would be the final score.
Tavi regrouped for Game 4 vs Milton Ice Dragons and this one tilted in Tavi’s favour early. Ultimately Tavi was too much for Milton with a final score of 13-0, Alex Zehr picked up another shut out! Goal Scorers for the titans: Chloe Gillespie x3 Des Hart x2, Peyton Smith x2, Parker Dorken, Willow Sebben, Rory Martin, Vaida Blum & Luke Steward, Cam Hergel - Congratualtions to Vada and Luke on picking up their first of the season
Sunday Semi Finals vs Durham Crusaders - Durham jumped out to a first period lead 1-0 and it would stay that way with Tavi hitting countless posts and pads, but with .3 seconds left Cole Willicombe scores on a turn and fire from the faceoff circle. Desmond and Chloe continued their 1-2 combo in the third as Desmond ripped home the eventual game winner off the rush with Gillespie. Alex Zehr again stood tall in the net with no bigger save them a point blank opportunity to secure the win. Tavi moves to the finals with a 2-1 win
In the finals it was a rematch from Saturday afternoon vs the Metcalfe Jets this time the result would be different. Tavi struck first 5 minutes in again on the rush Desmond hart buried the rebound off the initial shot from Peyton Smith. 1-0 Titans. It stayed that way until the 3rd when Gavin Reeves provided another highlight reel goal - picking the puck up in transition, going backhand forehand dangle around the goalie for a 2-0 lead with just over 3 minutes left and Alex and the entire team would work hard and keep the puck clear for the CHAMPIONSHIP WIN!!!!
It was fitting that Alex picked up the trophy after the win, he was a walk in net - only giving up 4 goals all weekend and 3 shutouts
It was an absolute tremendous weekend for the team with everyone chipping in, and playing some different roles. Great job by the players to dig down deep and pick up their teammates this weekend and there was some illness amongst the group but they persevered! A big shout out to the Coaches for all of their efforts as they don’t go unnoticed!!!
No rest for the wicked as the Titans are back on the ice to start their A Division playoffs Monday night vs New Hamburg Huskies