Congratulations to the players, their families and coaching staff of the 2014/15 Grand Valley Twisters Atom Representative team on winning the Georgian Bay M.H.L. and the All Ontario - OMHA Championships!
After winning the top spot in the Division versus 10 other centres it was Play-Down and Play-Off time.
To become victorious in the GBMHL Championship the team from the Valley had to be one of the top two teams in a Round Robin play-off format in Pool 'B'. With teams from Dundalk, Flesherton, Honeywood, Oro and Collingwood this was not going to be an easy task. As these 5 teams were hungry to get their hands on the regular season champ. After securing victories over Dundalk (x 2), Flesherton and Honeywood it all but guaranteed that the boys from the Valley would either be in the Consolation Championship or with one more victory a chance to play for it all. The team was facing an undefeated squad from Oro in an effort to secure that Championship spot. An Oro team that had pretty much dominated all their Round Robin games thus far. And this game would be no different - domination did occur - in the Grand Valley net - led by one of the best performances of the year in goalie Darcy P. He single handed fashion put the team on his back and won this game and locked up a date in the Finals.
The Finals would be a best of three against a very classy, well coached, hard working team from Collingwood. A Collingwood team that actually defeated the Twisters in Round Robin play and secured top spot knocking the Twister Boys to 2nd. However the boys from the Valley would not be denied and in the Championship, when it was all on the line - they swept the best of three - 2 games straight.
Ontario Minor Hockey Association Championship Play-Downs
To become victorious in the O.M.H.A. Championship the team from the Valley would be required to win multiple rounds in a bracket style format in the All-Ontario 'D' division versus 12 other centres. Again a very difficult task.
In the quarter final bracket the Atom Twisters would face a familiar foe - Creemore. The same team that was knocked out the previous season in the quarter finals - so they were hungry. This series was a well played series however the boys from the Valley came away victorious. Next up Drayton in the Semi Final Bracket.
The team from Drayton was trying to return to the Finals for a 3rd consecutive year. This was a GREAT series to watch as a fan of 9 and 10 year old hockey. Heart pounding, edge of your seat fun, as both teams were very skilled, fast, smart and wanted it bad. Neither team would win an away game. The series would go to a 5th and deciding game with the Boys from the Valley playing their best game of the series and securing a spot in the FINALS. The difference in the final game came down to great defense and an outstanding goalie in the Valley net - Charley L. played just fantastic and gave the boys so much confidence. Next up Dundalk - our favourite neighbours to the north - in the Final Bracket.
The Finals would be a battle of wills - a mental test of who wanted it more. It was also a rough and tumble series. Two teams who knew each other very well - having played each other so much. Dundalk eliminated Grand Valley the previous season in the preliminary bracket so certainly revenge was on their minds. And that may well of been the difference as this series would come down to a 5th and deciding game. After an emotional game 4 the Giants from the Valley were awake and in dominating fashion finished the series with a celebration like no other. A TOTAL TEAM effort.
This group of talented kids have consistently played well as a team this season and it all came together. All those associated with the team are very proud of each player for their effort, dedication and sportsmanship. A bond for life has been made.
A special thank you to all of the parents, grandparents, siblings, family and friends who were able to join us at some level this season and during these 2 runs.
THESE KIDS ARE CHAMPIONS!!!!