This past weekend
the Burlington Global Fuel AA Blue Eagles played 7 games in 3 days,
demonstrating their best hockey this season at the Richard Bell
Memorial Hockey Tournament in Oakville.
The Eagles started out the tournament playing a regular season opponent, the Guelph Gryphons. After a back and fourth game, the result was a draw. That afternoon they played the Streetsville Tigers and suffered their first loss of the tournament.
Things turned around on day two, the Eagles came out strong on Saturday morning, defeating the Brampton 45’s 5-2. The win put them in great spirits as they prepared to play the Tecumseh Eagles. Another win for Burlington as they defeated Tecumseh 4-2.
After four round robin games, the Eagles placed eighth, securing the last spot in the quarterfinals. It’s at this time that the Eagles knew they had a tough road ahead. In the quarter finals as the eighth seed they had an early game against the first place West Hill Golden Hawks. The Golden Hawks had a great first two days in the tournament, but their streak was about to end. After three periods the score was tied 3-3. Overtime was a five minute sudden death 3 on 3. Both teams had penalties, so they played 2 on 2. It only took 1 minute and 27 seconds for the Eagles to score and move ahead to the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals the Eagles played the Flamborough Sabres, another tough match. The Eagles continued to put the puck in the net and beat the Sabres 4-3.
At 7pm, eleven hours after the quarterfinal game, the Eagles were at the Championship game and were playing the home team, Oakville Rangers Red. It was a long day to get to the Championship but after four consecutive wins these Eagles were going to give everything they have left. The Oakville Rangers Red are a tough team, at the end of three 15 minute periods the score was tied 4-4. The Eagles would have to fight through overtime, again. After 5 minutes of 3 on 3 the score was still tied and the game would enter the second overtime period with 2 on 2. After a tough battle and leaving everything they have left on the ice the Eagles were defeated. The final score was 5-4.
Players were asked to dig deep and that they did. This tournament was great preparation for next week, when the playoffs begin. Every player on this team should be proud of their efforts.
The Richard Bell Memorial Tournament has provided a turning point for this team as they prepare to battle through the playoffs!
GO EAGLES GO!