Toronto Bulldogs win the Brick Novice Hockey Tournament Championship
By Trevor Robb
EDMONTON — It took four overtime periods to get the job done, but the Toronto Bulldogs emerged victorious in a 2-1, ‘nail-biter’ of a championship game against the Saskatchewan Jr. Pats to put an end to the 2011 Brick Invitational Super Novice Hockey Tournament at West Edmonton Mall Sunday afternoon.
“It’s been a crazy week, obviously what a great way to finish off the tournament with a championship in a four-overtime game,” said Bulldogs assistant coach Massimo Lamacchaia. “I thought we had a good first period, but I thought we really carried the play in the second, third and overtime periods.”
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- The Toronto Bulldogs celebrate their 2011 Brick Invitational Super Novice Tournament championship victory at West Edmonton Mall on Sunday, July 10, 2011. The Bulldogs won the championship game 2-1 in the fourth overtime period. Photograph by Trevor Robb.
The Bulldogs opened up the scoring just 44 seconds into the first period after Bulldogs forward Brendan Bowie, #91, hammered home a loose puck in the slot past Pats goaltender Nolan Maier. Pats forward Adam Beckman, #11, tied the game up with just over three minutes remaining in the first.
It took five periods for either team to score another goal.
From a 10-minute five-on-five overtime period to finally a two-minute two-on-two overtime period, the Bulldogs and the Pats laid it all on the line.
In the end, picking up his second goal of the game, Bowie stood all alone at the side of the Pats’ net and was the recipient of a nice pass from teammate Kyle Harris, #87.
There was no chance for Maier.
Bowie made no mistake and buried the puck into the open net, ending the game and sealing the Bulldogs’ championship victory. As the bench cleared, Bowie was enveloped by a sea of golden Bulldogs jerseys, while the Pats skated to their bench and watched the celebration.
“Both teams battled right until the very end. I’m just happy for the kids right now on our team, they’ve worked so hard and for them to be rewarded like this, it’s something special,” said Lamacchaia.
“Obviously we’re confident in our team, but you know let’s be honest, there was some nerves going on in your stomach and your stomach’s turning; but we had faith with the guys, they worked hard and eventually it paid off,” said Lamacchaia.
MVP effort
The Bulldogs’ win was almost overshadowed by a the fantastic individual effort from Maier, a first-team all-star and tournament MVP who saved 42 of 44 shots against the Bulldogs. In four round robin games Maier posted a 1.75 GAA (goals against average) and a .931 save percentage. He then followed it up with a 1.81 GAA and a .939 save percentage in two playoff games. Lamacchaia took time to comment on the Saskatchewan goaltenders effort.
“Obviously can’t say enough about their goalie, first team all-star, MVP, he deserved it,” said Lamacchaia. “He was really the glue to their puzzle and he kept them in. He’s a great goalie and he’s got a bright future in front of him.”