The last weekend of Jan. saw the Princeton Midget rep hockey team finish their schedule on a positive note.
On Saturday the boys went up 2-0 in the first period before giving up four unanswered goals to Clearwater to set up a great finish. Clayton Obey scored two goals—(actually, he scored all four goals in the game)in the final five minutes of the game to earn the team its first point of the season in an exciting finish to a well contested game. Assists for the game went to Mort Johnston (three), Jackie Chau and Brett Herrick (two each) and Craig Thompson. Of note was Ryan Grgich’s superb play in goal to keep the final result in play.
Sunday’s game followed a similar path as the rest of the season – tied after first period, a one goal game midway through the second before falling 6-2 to a deeper Clearwater squad. The team only had nine skaters for each of the two final games and again the lack of bodies took its toll on the result, if not the effort. Clayton Obey again provided the goals with assists going to Cole McIvor (two) and Jackie Chau (one).
In so many ways the season, despite the many ups and downs, can only be described as a positive step to rebuilding midget hockey in town. Over the course of the season 15 different skaters suited up at least once for the locals. The bulk of the workload however fell to a main core of 10 players and two goalies who committed completely to playing, despite the usually inevitable outcome that comes with a shorter bench.
Numbers look positive for next season with the hope that this season’s building block will provide a footing for continued success on ice as well as scoreboard.
Keep an eye out for one last exhibition game later this month. Plans are in works to stage a game against a local men’s invitational squad.
A final huge thanks to all sponsors, Duner and his players, as well as the fans. Special mention must also go to the coaching staff – Spencer Brooks (ex posse player), Kirk McConnell, Garry Fraser and Al Anderson.