On Wednesday, January 11th, Apsley and area families caravaned to Niagara Falls for the 2023 International Silver Stick Finals.
The Apsley Flames U11 and U15 teams both won their Regional Silver Stick Qualifier tournaments back in November and December, respectivley. This earned both teams a spot in the International Silver Stick Finals and a chance to compete against other regional winners.
On Thursday, January 12th, teams from all over Ontario and the United States gathered at the Meridian Community Centre in Pelham, ON for the International Silver Stick Opening Ceremonies. A pin trading time took place among teams and players and coaches participated in a Parade of Champions onto the ice. Head Coach, Jonathan Swift and player Kyle Laing represented the Apsley Flames U11 team. Assistant Coach, Owen Perks and player Beckham Perks represented the Apsley Flames U15 team.
The U11 team played the Aylmer Flames in their first round robin game of the tournament. Apsley came out on top by a score of 2-1. Apsley's first goal was scored by Ella Freeburn, assisted by Emmett Swift. Apsley's second goal was scored by Clare Dunkerley, assisted by Ella Freeburn.
In the second round robin game, the U11 Flames beat the Mount Brydges Cougars 6-1. Emmett Swift, Cruz Kaschak, Quinlan Kilner, George Sayer, Kyle Laing and Cohen Kemp all scored for Apsley. Assists were earned by Kyle Laing (2), Owen Hill (2), Clare Dunkerley, Cohen Kemp, Lawson Tracey and Easton Bolton.
Apsley faceoffed against the host team Pelham Panthers in their third round robin game. The Flames won 7-1! Goals: Cohen Kemp (2), George Sayer (2), Charlie Cotnam, Ella Freeburn, Emmett Swift. Assists: Emmett Swift, Max Dunford, Clare Dunkerley, Kyle Laing, Cohen Kemp, George Sayer, Owen Hill, Ella Freeburn, Cruz Kaschak and Easton Bolton.
In their fourth and final round robin game, they beat the Wasaga Beach Stars 3-1. Cruz Kaschak scored first for Apsley, assisted by Kyle Laing. The second goal was scored by Lawson Tracey, assisted by Owen Tucker and Cohen Kemp. Kyle Laing scored the third goal of the game, assisted by Owen Tucker.
The U11 team finished in 1st place in the round robin standings. They would once again face the Aylmer Flames, this time in the semi-final matchup. Aylmer scored first giving them a 1-0 lead. Apsley responded early in the second period with a goal from Kyle Laing. Cohen Kemp scored the game winning goal, assisted by Emmett Swift, sending our Flames to the championship game!
The Apsley Flames U11 team met the Drayton Defenders early on Sunday, January 15th for the International Silver Stick Championship game. The Defenders also won all four of their round robin games. The 1st and 2nd periods saw back and forth play with lots of chances for both teams. Thomas Boa play amazingly well in net for the Flames, fending off the Defenders. Early in the third period, Drayton scored the first and only goal of the game. Apsley fought hard but came up just short with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss. The Apsley Minor Hockey Association, families and fans are so proud of the U11 Flames on their 2nd place finish! Congratulations to the players and coaching staff Jonathan Swift, Ben Hall, Curtis Bolton, Chad Tucker, Colin Cotnam and manager Marci Swift.
In their first round robin game, the Apsley Flames U15 team beat the Kincardine Kinucks 9-4. Cody Dunford scored 5 goals for Apsley, Beckham Perks scored 2 and singles were added by Tyson Plumley and Evan Shee. The goals were assisted by Will Pitts (2), Logan Stone, Hudson Power, Caitlin Koehler and Beckham Perks.
In game two, Apsley defeated the Port Huron Wreckers from Michigan 6-1. Goals were scored by Alex McMann (2), Carson Earle, Evan Shee, Cody Dunford and Beckham Perks, assisted by Evan Shee and Hudson Power.
In the third round robin game the Flames beat the North Middlesex Jr. Stars 4-0. Josh Mills, Evan Shee, Cody Dunford and Beckham Perks scored for Apsley with helpers from Hudson Power (2), Josh Mills, Evan Shee, Beckham Perks, Connor Sayers, Will Pitts and Alex McMann. Jayden Hughey earned the shutout for Apsley!
In the fourth and final round robin game, the Flames downed the Port Stanley Jr. Sailors 6-1. Evan Shee, Cody Dunford and Hudson Power each scored twice for Apsley. Goals were assisted by Will Pitts (2), Evan Shee, Sawyer Alexander, Hudson Power and Caitlin Koehler.
The Apsley U15 team finished 1st overall after round robin play. The semi-final matchup saw the Flames defeat the Jr. Stars once again, this time by a score of 5-1. Evan Shee scored 4 for Apsley and Cody Dunford netted the 5th. Assists went to Shaun Warren, Beckham Perks and Sawyer Alexander.
The International Silver Stick U15 Championship game came down to the Apsley Flames and the Collingwood Jr. Blues. The first period saw lots of chances for both teams but the score stayed steady at 0-0. Cody Dunford scored for Apsley early in the second period which made for a nail biter of a game for almost two more periods. Apsley fans held their breath as the two teams continued to battle. With 3:21 left in the third period, Connor Sayers scored what became the game winning goal for Apsley, making it 2-0! With 2:32 left in the game, Collingwood broke Apsley’s shutout, the score now 2-1. The teams rallied back and forth. Trent Smith made some incredible saves for Apsley. After a time-out, the Jr. Blues pulled their goalie. With :24 left on the clock, Evan Shee scored the empty net goal for Apsley, securing the International Silver Stick U15 LL Championship title. Apsley won the game by a final score of 3-1. Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff, Josh Perks, Owen Perks and Richard Earle.
A huge thank you to all the sponsors who supported the teams. Thanks to everyone who bought raffle tickets and donated prizes. Thanks to all the families and fans who supported the kids. We appreciate you all!
