OMHA - Ontario Minor Hockey Association

Clarington Toros Bantam AE Victorious at Aurora Tournament

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Clarington, ON: - The Clarington Toros Bantam AE team claimed the Aurora Bantam AE tournament this past weekend by a 5-2 score over a very determined St. Thomas Stars team. The Toros broke open a tight 2-2 game late in the 2nd period when Connor Swenor uncorked a wrist shot from the slot after a beautiful cross-ice pass from Matt Hilderbrandt. Inspired by key saves from goalie Eric Rankin the Toros then added two more goals in the 3rd to take the title.

Goal scorers in the final game were Swenor, Matt Joseph, Cole Pellerin and Jack Anderson [2] with assists to Zach Bailey [2], Hilderbrandt [2], and Stephen Levac [2]. Leo Akeson and Liam Ostler were outstanding on defense throughout the game.

The Toros advanced to the final by scoring 2 late goals to defeat a hardworking Barrie Colts team by a score of 5-4 in the semis. Goalie Jacob Worboy flashed the leather throughout to keep the Toros in the game long enough for Nicholas Ruelland to rifle home a long slapshot to tie the game at four with less than 2 minutes to play. With 47 seconds left on the clock, Pellerin snapped home the winner from just inside the blueline. Other goal scorers were Jacob Barker, Mitchell Truckle and Anderson with assists from team captain Spencer Knox, Evan Wray and Worboy.

In their first game of round robin play the Toros beat Newmarket 2-0. Wray provided the spark with a nasty dangle for the game winner assisted by Truckle while Rankin earned the shutout. Game 2 saw the Toros edge out Brampton by a 3-2 score with an outstanding tic-tac-toe passing play from Truckle and Wray to Barker for the game winner. Matt Joseph scored twice with assists to Garrett Hellam, who was named tournament MVP, and Levac.

The Toros only blemish of the tournament came in game 3 of the round robin in a thrilling 3-2 overtime shootout loss to St. Thomas. The Toros avenged that loss the next day however when the two teams met up again to determine the championship.

The team was also victorious in the special event 3 on 3 mini tournament held on the Saturday.

Thanks to all the Aurora tournament volunteers, and to all participating teams, for a great weekend of hockey competition, excitement, and sportsmanship. Congratulations Toros!!!

Submitted by Turk Hogan

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