(Submitted story and photo: From L – R (Back Row): Zoe Kulas, Keria Vivian, Adalyn Haegele, Hadlee Morrow, Reegan Carroll, Charlotte Nadon, Peyton Derry
(Front Row): Clare Hanna, Rosa Longo, Maya Loveless, Quinn Scott, Alex Warner, Camryn Garden, Kinsley Barrett, NatalieThebault)
The Belleville Bearcats U9 Tier 2 hockey team emerged victorious once again, clinching their second tournament win of the year at the Kanata Rangers tournament over the weekend. In a stunning display of skill and determination, the young athletes went undefeated, securing four consecutive wins against formidable opponents from Cornwall, Glengarry, Kanata, and North Bay.
Perhaps the most remarkable feat of their triumph was their impenetrable defense, as the Bearcats didn’t concede a single goal throughout the entire tournament. Goalie extraordinaire, Alex Warner, showcased her prowess with an astounding series of back-to-back shutouts, solidifying her team’s dominance on the ice.
The team’s stellar performance marks a monumental turnaround from the previous season, where they faced adversity with a winless record of 0-12. This year, however, they’ve rewritten their narrative, boasting an impressive record of 23-2-1, a testament to their unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, head coach Rob Garden expressed his pride and admiration for the players’ growth and resilience. “This victory is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of every player on this team,” Coach Garden remarked. “Their commitment to improvement and their team-first attitude has been truly inspiring.”
Individual achievements were also celebrated throughout the tournament, as player of the game awards were bestowed upon Quinn Scott, Kinsley Barrett, Camryn Garden, and Alex Warner for their outstanding contributions to the team’s success.
As the season draws to a close, the Bearcats took a moment to honour standout performers with year-end awards. Camryn Garden was named Most Valuable Player, recognized for her exceptional leadership and relentless work ethic throughout the season. Additionally, a three-way tie for Most Improved Player highlighted the team’s collective growth, with Charlotte Nadon, Alex Warner, and Clare Hannah earning well-deserved accolades.
Photo caption: From L – R (Back Row): Zoe Kulas, Keria Vivian, Adalyn Haegele, Hadlee Morrow, Reegan Carroll, Charlotte Nadon, Peyton Derry
