Published Jan. 3 2017
On Tuesday Dec. 22 the Haliburton Timber Mart/Canadian Tire Highland Storm Novice team travelled to Bancroft to compete in the Mineral Cup novice tournament. The Storm faced the home team the Bancroft Jets in the opening game. The Storm came out hard and played a very strong offensive game capitalizing on turnover opportunities as a result of defensive pressure. Excellent skating and puck control allowed the Storm to keep the puck in Bancroft’s end resulting in seven goals and the first win of the day. Excellent goaltending by Chase Winder sealed the deal for the Storm. The Storm came out on top 7-1.
Looking to keep their winning streak alive game two of the tournament had the Storm face off against the Stirling Blues. This game was a battle from start to finish. The Storm had great positional play and excellent skating that led to a few scoring chances early with no success. The Storm found themselves down by one heading into the second period. The Storm continued to battle for the puck and created some turnover opportunities finally resulting in a goal by Brechin Johnston an assist by McLean Rowden and putting the Storm on the scoreboard. However it was not to be for the Storm. It was a great game with the score not reflecting the effort and speed but the Storm dropped this one 4-1 to the Blues.
Earning themselves a trip to the B finals the Haliburton Timber Mart/Canadian Tire Highland Storm novice team were determined to end their day on top. The Storm faced the Barry’s Bay Valley Storm in the finals and dominated play from start to finish. Excellent defensive play kept the Valley Storm from generating any offensive pressure and the Storm capitalized on key scoring opportunities. With the final buzzer of the game the Storm were on top 5-0 and were the B champions.
Way to go Storm! Congratulations to all players on an excellent day of hockey. The Highland Storm novice team is back in action on Jan. 2 when they travel to Huntsville for an exhibition game against the Otters.
Submitted by Janice Scheffee
