The 2023 U11 Kingston Church Athletic League Causeway Classic Champions representing Prince Edward County. Top row from left: Hunter Coombs, Niko Cordes, Oliver Hryhorsky, Sadie Adams, Lane Bulten, Fenix Chetwynd, Casper Chetwynd, Landon Hanthorn, Hudson Mann and Ollie Sager. Bottom, from Left: Staff members Al Sager, Jason Morris and Adam Mann. (Submitted Photo)
It was a banner day for Prince Edward County Minor Hockey. Two U11 teams, the County Kings and the County Cougars, battled through an exhilarating triple overtime final match in the 2023 Kingston Church Athletic League Causeway Classic.
The Cougars finally won by a single goal.
The teams, both sponsored through the McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada AtoMc program, were inside Constantine Arena at the Kingston Military Sports Complex in an all-County gold medal affair December 30.
After a scoreless first period, the undefeated Cougars broke the ice as Niko Cordes turned in a nice solo effort at 7:49 to beat Kings starter Oakley Walker.
The Kings responded near the close of the frame when Troy Logan set up Cameron Herbert at the 4:46 mark of the second to square the affair at 1-1. Parker Garden also picked up an assist on the play.
From that point, the contest was in the hands of the goaltenders with Mr. Walker doing his part to keep the game tied. Meanwhile, Cougars starter Hudson Mann offered up some examples of leather-bound larceny to keep the Kings vaunted offence at bay.
The teams would play it close to the vest through to the end of regulation. Subsequent 4-on-4 and then 3-on-3 overtime periods solved nothing as the teams went end-to-end without scoring.
Finally, into Period 6 and with parents from both sides on the edge of their seats, Mr. Cordes doubled down, once again collecting a loose puck and firing it home at 4:26, lifting the Cougars to victory.
Oliver Hyrorsky was the Player of the Game for the champions while Reid Wager took home similar honours for the finalists.
Cougars bench boss Al Sager noted Mr. Cordes (2), Mr. Mann, Eric Hoekstra and Hunter Coombs were selected Players of the Game for his team. Kings skipper Rob Garden reported that Ezra McLuhan, Felix Myderwyk, Mr. Herbert and Mr. Garden all took home Player of the Game honours during the two day, 16 team tourney.
“The heart of our team and their ability to work together is what made us shine last weekend. Watching our kids grow in hockey both in skill and friendships has been amazing to watch,” Coach Sager told the Gazette. “It was very serendipitous to play the other County team in our final game, and was definitely heartwarming to see young kids competitive during the game but have no ego afterwards. It was very ‘County’.”
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