Ponoka’s Bantam Moose hockey team had a strong showing last weekend during their home tournament facing off against Sherwood Park in the finals.
Both teams appeared to be evenly matched with an almost even number of attempts to score, explained coach Dwayne Rausch. “It was 1-1 after two periods and our shots on goal were the same.”
Each team had a guaranteed three games in the tournament and the Moose’s first game was against Red Deer who had no chance against the Moose. Rausch says their second game against Grande Prairie proved a challenge but they were able to win in overtime play.
As for playing against Sherwood Park, Rausch said he is not disappointed in his team’s performance; they forced the game into overtime. After playing four on four with no goals, the teams went into a sudden death shootout where Sherwood Park won 2-1.
“We knew we were going to be in tough (competition),” said Rausch.
He is pleased with how his players and three goalies, who were able to get a lot of play time during the tournament, competed. “With a finals game like that, you can’t really say there was a loser.”
Rausch is pleased with the effort of the tournament committee and parents who came to help out during the tournament.
“The parents put in a lot of work for the kids,” said Rausch.
As for the regular season, Rausch says his team is in the middle of the pack. The Moose have also stated their intention to compete at hockey provincials playdowns.