The Erin-Hillsburgh Atom AE Devils take 1st place in an epic semi-final and final game battle for the Saugeen Shores 2014 Chris Knott Memorial Tournament!
SEMI-FINALS
The Erin-Hillsburgh Devils and Kincardine Kinucks battled into OT and eventually a 3 shot shootout.
Kinucks #15 Jessica Anderson scored the first goal of the game during the 2nd period allowing Kincardine to take an unsettling 0-1 lead. Midway into the 3rd the Devils #91 Tucker Miller assisted by #4 Frank Kinlin scored to tie the game at 1-1 re-energizing the EH Devils. With just 38 secs left on the clock Frank "The Tank" Kinlin is back with an assist from #15 Jacob Hosford to score and solidify a breathtaking 2-1 comeback and the Devils now have a taste of potential victory. Most would say with 38 sec left its almost a guaranteed win but as luck would have it the Kinucks didn't let up scoring just 7 secs after the puck dropped, tying the game and sending the semis into sudden death OT. After a 5 min 4-on-4 OT and no goals both teams went on into a heart stopping breath holding 3 shot shootout. The first two shots for both teams resulted in no goals. On the third shot Devils shooter #15 Jacob Hosford scored on Kincardine while Devils goalie #1 Dawson Shepherd stopped his 3rd and final shot of OT ending the game and catapulting the Devils into the finals.
TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
The Devils now knew they advanced to finals but still awaited the result of Game 16 to decide their opponent. A few hours later the winner of Game 16 was announced as being the hometown favorites, our hosts the Saugeen Shores Storm. The Devils were now to battle the hosting team against infamous home ice advantage.
Did that stop the Devils, not on your life, they each came out as determined as ever to win in one of their best showings this year. Everyone gave 110% and enabled an early 2-0 lead in the 1st period with goals by #14 Braeden "The Lion" St. Denis and #91 Tucker Miller, both unassisted. The Storm returned with a goal by #12 Kennedy Stauffer midway through the 2nd period closing the gap to a dangerous 2-1 game. The Devils still up by one goal executing perfectly and with determination, using their points, passing, fore-checking and back-checking all of which resulted in 2 additional goals by none other than Devils #4 Frank Kinlin and #15 Jacob Hosford assisted #91 Tucker Miller and virtually sealing their fate as tournament champions.
As the final seconds of the game counted down to 0:00 the arena erupted with cheers from EH players, coaches and parents alike in a celebration that shook the walls and lasted for at least 20 min. The devils after accepting their gold medals each skated individually along the Storm lineup respectfully shaking hands and thanking them for the opportunity to participate in such a great event.
After winning the 2014 Chris Knott Memorial Tournament the Devils are now on a 5 game winning streak and are hungry to take on Woolwich Wildcats in their next league game Nov 27, 2013. Congratulations Erin-Hillsburgh and all the Rep Atom AE Devils for a well-earned, exciting and truly victorious Canadian hockey weekend. You deserve every bit of your WIN!!!