The Norwell Redmen hockey team started 2013 with an impressive performance at the Sacred Heart tournament in Walkerton Jan. 9.
The Redmen reeled off four consecutive wins to capture the championship banner.
The tournament began on Tuesday with a 3-2 Redmen victory over St. Mary’s from Owen Sound, with the team firing 33 shots on the opposing goal. After giving up the opening goal, Norwell responded with a goal by Brenden Aitken from Jamie Hoelscher. Chayse Herrfort then gave the Redmen the lead on a three-way passing play with assists going to Aitken and Cole Leslie. After St. Mary’s tied the score, Devin Williams tallied the winner in the third period.
Next up for the Redmen was Centre Wellington, from Fergus, one of the stronger teams in District 10. The game turned into a tight, defensive battle with the Redmen emerging with a 2-1 victory. Cody Ferguson unassisted, and Leslie from Aitken accounted for the scoring while Adam Kalbfleisch was excellent in goal for Norwell.
On Wednesday morning the Redmen pounded John Diefenbaker from Hanover 6-0, scoring five powerplay goals, to earn a berth in the final. Goal scorers were Leslie with two and Logan Hoelscher, Williams, Jason Joostema and Greg Allen adding singles. Assists went to Josh Hoffele (3), Herrfort (2), Williams (2), and Allen. Cole Wardlaw made 21 saves for the shutout.
The championship final placed Norwell against rival Bishop MacDonell from Guelph. These teams have battled many times in championship games over the past decade. This was Norwell’s day for a 2-1 victory. The Redmen scored late in the second as time expired on a goal by Allen, from Williams and Leslie. Early in the third period, Aitken finished off a great three-on-two rush, with assists going to Leslie and Herrfort. Despite giving up a late power-play goal, Kalbfleisch and excellent team defensive play shut the door, giving the Redmen the championship.
Overall the Redmen have compiled a season record of 14-3-2 and have established themselves as one of the teams to beat heading into the final stages of the season.
The team has run its regulation unbeaten streak to 14 games, one of the longest in team history.
“Congratulations to the players for a job well done and for continuing to positively represent their school, community and families,” said coach Ian Strachan.
The final two regular season home games are scheduled for Jan. 16 versus Westside from Orangeville and Feb. 6 versus Bishop MacDonell – both at 3pm in Palmerston.
