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Monday, April 09, 2012 Richmond Hill: - The Richmond Hill Stars Novice AE team had quite a journey leading up to game 6, of a 5 game series, against the Milton Winterhawks for the OMHA title. The team played 64 games [between regular season, tournament, and playoff games] prior to the final game for the OMHA championship. The RH Stars Novice AE team finished 2nd in the YSHL regular season to the Orillia Terriers. The Stars swept the quarter final series winning 4 consecutive games against the Aurora Tigers, the last game was a nail biter ending in a 2-1 home ice win for the Stars. The semi-finals saw the RH Stars pitted against the Orillia Terriers. During the regular season, these two teams had a 1-1-1 record against each other, so both teams knew this series would be challenging. After the first 4 games, the series remained tied at 2 wins each. After a strong showing in the 5th game, the Stars gained momentum to win game 6, and the series, in front of hometown fans. The stage was set for an exciting OMHA championship series. The Stars would face the Milton Winterhawks who advanced to the championship series with a 36 consecutive game winning streak. The RH Stars were down 2 games going into game 3 in Milton. In front of Milton’s Mayor, local media and Milton hometown fans the Stars fought hard to stay in the series taking game 3 in a 4-2 win over the Winterhawks. The Stars won game 4 at home – tying the series going into game 5. It looked like the Stars had it in game 5 when the Winterhawks tied it up with only minutes left on the clock, resulting in a ten minute overtime period. Both teams came out hard in overtime – but the game remained tied – forcing game 6 in Richmond Hill. After a hard fought battle in game 6, the Stars won the OMHA Finalist Title in front of cheering hometown fans. The RH Stars Novice AE team were again an example of true sportsmanship as they graciously accepted their trophy and silver medals. The 2012 OMHA Finalists are the RH Stars Novice AE team – a team that is far more than the 15 names on a game sheet. Every player joined the team with their own story but as a team they create a story together, a story that illustrated the true spirit of minor hockey and good sportsmanship. The boys learned how to be respectful to other teams, to be humble winners, gracious when losing, and to play with heart and spirit. This was a team that never gave up when behind and appreciated the journey along the way. The coaches and families learned a great deal from the team they showed us all that what is truly important is not what shows on the scoreboard but what comes from within, a passion to play a sport and a desire to do their best every time they hit the ice. Thank you to the players, coaches, and families for a truly great first rep. hockey experience. Good luck to all the boys as they continue playing hockey. Thanks for the memories – 2012 OMHA Finalists – Richmond Hill Stars Novice AE team.
Submitted by Kell E Ozols © 2013 Ontario Minor Hockey Association. All rights reserved. |
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