Jan 4 - U14 - U 14 GIRLS CAPTURE POLAR BEAR TOURNEY IN STUNNING FASHION
Jan 24 - TI Girls - Cardinals' Lemke named MIAC Player of the Week
Jan 31 - TI Alumni - Stars’ Akers Commits to Niagara University
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U 14 GIRLS CAPTURE POLAR BEAR TOURNEY IN STUNNING FASHION
U14 Girls
I previously likened the Team Illinois U-14 Girls Team to the coming of a storm; a Tsunami is more like it!! This past week (December 26-Decmber 30), the girls blitzed through the competition at the Polar Bear Tournament in Connecticut, capping off their incredible run with an overtime victory in the Finals. Given the level of competition facing the girls and the rigors of playing seven hellacious games in four days, this is truly a magnificent achievement.
The campaign commenced with a 2-1 victory over the Springfield Junior Pics (MA) on Thursday night. The next day the Girls posted a 4-0 win over the Cornwall Junior Typhoons (ON), winners of the 2006 Tournament, and a 3-1 triumph against the Quakers (PA). This latter victory earned the Girls a spot in the Quarterfinals. The following day the Girls fought the GCGHA Stars (ON) to a 1-1 standstill, in a contest that did not figure into the overall standings.
That night the Girls won their Quarterfinal match 2-1 against the Connecticut Polar Bears and advanced to the Semis. The Semifinal match against the Bluewater Hawks (ON) proved to be a battle for the ages. The Girls took the Semifinals 3-2 in a shootout following overtime that went to fourteen shooters. They simply would not be denied the opportunity to reach the Finals.
In the Finals, the Girls were pitted against Assabet Valley 14R (MA), a highly ranked foe, who had defeated their prior six opponents by a combined score of 36-3, including Honeybaked (5-1) and the Madison Capitols (10-0). Down 1-0 in the third period, the Girls tied the game with 1:19 remaining. The Girls prevailed 2-1 in overtime, despite starting the period on a penalty kill. As they skated off the ice, the Girls could savor the fact that had just defeated a formidable opponent in what had to be considered a stunning upset.
Overall, the Girls’ record was 6-0-1. They outscored their competition 17-7 in the seven games.
As tremendous as the Girls’ performance was based on the outcome alone, their run was that much more impressive when considering they came from behind four times, including in the Finals; their Quarterfinal, Semifinal and Finals opponents were each undefeated in Round Robin play; and they played the Finals on just three hours rest.
The magnitude of the Girls’ triumph cannot be overstated. They played with unmatched tenacity, and exhibited a level of skill and determination that enabled them to emerge victorious under the most daunting and rigorous of circumstances. But what is perhaps the most resounding aspect of the conquest is that each and every player contributed to the win. That is the mark of a great Hockey team. That is the influence of an outstanding coaching staff. And that is what teaches the spirit of camaraderie and loyalty that will help to shape these girls into better players and better individuals. Lessons such as these will stay with them long after their days on the ice come to an end.
Congratulations Ladies. You have made us proud. The sky’s the limit!
The TI Scribe
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Cardinals' Lemke named MIAC Player of the Week
Donny Nadeau, SMU Sports Information Office
WINONA, Minn. — In two games over the weekend, Brittany Lemke (St. Charles, Minn.) was a second-period shot away from back-to-back shutouts in helping the Saint Mary's University women's hockey team to a win and a tie against Hamline.
Monday evening, the Cardinal goalie was rewarded for her efforts, being named Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors.
Lemke stopped all 26 shots she faced in earning her second collegiate shutout with a 2-0 win on Friday, then followed that up with a 30-save effort in SMU's 1-1 tie vs. the Pipers the following day.
For the weekend, Lemke stopped 56 of 57 shots (.982 save percentage)
On the season, Lemke has appeared in 10 of the Cardinals' 13 games, posting a 2.35 goals-against-average and a .925 save percentage.
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Stars’ Akers Commits to Niagara University
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Syracuse Stars’ forward Kurt Akers has committed to Niagara University for the fall of 2008.
Akers, who will be joining fellow Stars’ goaltender Chris Noonan at Niagara University, was very excited to finally make his decision. “Playing Division 1 College Hockey has always been what I have wanted to do ever since I can remember. I feel privileged to have this opportunity to play for Niagara University, it’s a great program with a strong commitment to achieving success and I’m very happy to become a part of it. Coming to the Stars program this year has been a great experience and I look forward to competing for a League Championship. I want to thank my coaches who have helped me get to where I am now, and I want to thank my teammates for supporting me throughout this season,” said Akers.
“Kurt has been a tremendous addition to the Syracuse program this year,” said head coach Chris Firriolo. “He’s been a key player in every situation for us all year long. He’s simply a complete hockey player. He’s a work horse with a lot of speed, real strong puck skills and has great vision on the ice. Kurt’s been one of our top goal scorers this year and has played a huge role on our power play and penalty kill units. He’s a very strong student who wants to study pre-med and I think Niagara will afford him every opportunity to succeed both on and off the ice.”
Akers was a Northern Division All-Star selection this year who presently is tied for 6th in the league in goals scored with 20. He has received both the EJHL Offensive Player of the Week Award and the EJHL Rookie of the Week Award this season.
Kurt is the son of Paul and Melissa Akers of Glenview, IL |
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