Finalists at the Stouffville Clippers tournament
atom rep team finished off their successful season competing in the Stouffville Clippers rep tournament in Stouffville last weekend.

It was a close, hard-fought local league peewee game last Wednesday. The NobleKing Knights were advancing at this stage, but they weren't able to score on their Thornton Tigers foes in regulation time. The match went into overtime, with Thornton getting the only goal of the match. Thornton went on to win the series.

In their first game, the Knights faced the Markham Waxers in a very competitive and defensive game, winning 2-1. NobleKing goals from Luke DeNicola and Aaron Heffernan, with assists from Hayden Cummings, Connor Brunt and Christopher Frenette. Great defensive efforts came from Lucas Stanghieri, Cummings and Michaela Shortill. This was complemented with strong back checking from Patrick Warner. Goaltender Mitchell Merrilees was amazing between the pipes and Cummings was awarded game MVP for his outstanding defensive play.

In the second game, the Knights played the Markham Islanders and took over early, winning 4-0. NobleKing goals from Antonio Ficociello, Matthew Unterlander with a pair and Cummings. Frenette and Ficociello notched two assists apiece. Goaltender Shortill was solid in net and was rewarded with the shutout. Game MVP was awarded to Unterlander for his offensive contribution and hard work.

The next game saw the Knights play the Guelph Storm in a hard-fought battle which ended in a 1-1 tie. The sole NobleKing goal was scored by Ficociello on a breakaway, assisted by Frenette. With the tie, the Knights finished the roundrobin series tied for first, allowing them to move on to the semi-finals. Game MVP was awarded to Merrilees for his tremendous effort in goal, making 26 saves.

In the semi-final game, the Knights faced the Guelph Storm again, this time coming out on top by winning 1-0.

The Knights' defensive strategy was successfully executed with the Storm only getting 12 shots on goalie Shortill. The sole goal for the Knights was spearheaded by Frenette and Cummings, and scored by Ficociello. The victory allowed the Knights to proceed to the championship final later that day. Ficociello was awarded game MVP in recognition for his aggressive forechecking and team effort.

In the championship game, the Knights faced tournament host team Stouffville, losing 4-2 in a close-fought game (Stouffville's winning goal scored with 32 seconds remaining in the third period, and their fourth goal scored on an empty net with two seconds left). The team had great goaltending again from Merrilees, who faced 36 shots. NobleKing goals scored by Brunt, assisted by Daniel MacGregor and Unterlander (unassisted). MacGregor was awarded game MVP for his grit and determination.

Head Coach Rob Payne, Assistant Defensive Coach Scott Harrison, Assistant Offensive Coach Doug Shortill and Goalie Coach Rob Merrilees congratulated the players for their tremendous effort and tenacity over the season and in particular during the tournament. Fellow player Lucas Brockie was on holidays for the tournament, while injured defenceman Jack Payne cheered from the bench.

The team would also like to thank the generous support of its sponsors: Draft FCB Direct, C u s t o m e t r i c s , Transcontinental Direct, Quadra Management Inc., CA systems electrical mechanical millwrighting, Aylesworth LLP, CAMM 4 Contracting, Mayfair Construction, BMC Masonry, Hamilton Tiger Cats, Formcrete, Dufferin Concrete, Primus Canada Inc. and Plastcrete Mouldings Inc.