The U9 Talbot Trail Blazers competed in the Bradford Bulldogs Blue and Gold Tournament on the weekend of March 14-16 and came away as champions after an exciting shootout finish in the finals.
In Game 1 on Friday evening, March 14, the Blazers dominated the Caledon Hawks 10-0.
The game got off to a fast start as the Blazers jumped out to a 3-0 lead and never looked back, finishing the game 10-0. The offense was led by hat tricks off the sticks of Caiden Charles and Parker Campeau. Maddux Carnevale added a pair, and singles went to Dougie Howe and Brody Ferreira. Beau Campbell got the shutout.
In a tight Game 2 versus Etobicoke Bulldogs, the Blazers roared back for a 3-2 victory after being down 2-1 after two. Goal scorers were Maddux Carnevale, Easton O’Neil and Roman Gardonio. Rory Mills got the win with some big saves down the stretch.
In Game 3 against the host Bradford Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon, the Blazers got off to a fast start, scoring 27 seconds into the game, and were up 2-0 before Bradford scored their lone goal of the game halfway through the first.
Beau Campbell had some stellar saves to keep the Blazers up one until a goal midway through the third period and an empty netter sealed the win. Goal scorers were Maddux Carnevale with two, and singles from Bodie Chevalier and Owen Schiefer.
That set up a great final game Sunday morning as the Trail Blazers found themselves up against Etobicoke in the championship. It was a great back and forth game by both teams.
Etobicoke took a 2-1 lead into the second period where the Blazers — on a great defensive play by Owen Schiefer — sprung Parker Campeau on an odd man rush to tie the game 2-2.
The third period and overtime solved nothing. There was great end-to-end action and great saves by Rory Mills.
The game went to a shootout where Caiden Charles scored on the third shot to send the shootout to extra shooters before fifth shooter Dougie Howe scored on a beautiful deke to win the game.
Rory Mills, with four saves in the shootout, sealed the championship.
