The Timmins GFL U13 BB Falcons parlayed their number one ranking going into the Ontario Women's Hockey Association Provincial Playdowns into a provincial championship.
The Falcons went 6-0 to claim gold in Brampton this past weekend. Stellar play on both sides of the puck was a major key to their championship run. The club put up 24 goals for, while limiting opponents to a measly three goals. Sharp goaltending and solid team defensive play saw both goaltenders posting two shutouts each.
Opposing coaches, fans and officials were quick to heap praise on the locals for a solid display of team effort and good playmaking and passing.
The Falcons U13s played in the NEOHA (with the boys) during the regular season. The top two scorers in the league were girls from the GFL Falcons (playoffs and regular season combined). The league includes Cochrane, Hearst, Kap, Porcupine, Wawa and Iroquois Falls.
To Falcons officials' knowledge, this is the first time an all-girls team competed in the NEOHA league at the same age category. The girls’ teams have traditionally been older than the boys’ teams they play against. This is the second year the U1's played at the same age level as their male counterparts.
Although the team had 14 players at provincials they played almost all season with just 12.
The team was allowed 2 AP-type players at provincials.
A short bench did not hurt the Falcons in part due to weekly dryland conditioning sessions with Lisa Tremblay and Discover Fitness.
The club finished sixth in regular season play in the NEOHA.
All in all, it was a superb season for the girls who will cherish their gold medals forever.
Just a quick note to let you know to check the TDGHA website for a change to the girls’ upcoming tryouts. A change was made to accommodate a local playoff game at the Mac.
Despite solid efforts from the other local teams competing at provincials, none were able to reach the medal podium. But Timmins was well-represented by quality clubs capping off fine seasons at the championships.
To not a lot of people's surprise, it will be the Soo Thunderbirds who will face the hometown Rock for the NOJHL title. Fans of both clubs can expect some excellent hockey between the league's top two clubs.
Despite countering his two-star players departure with three high-profile stars, Brad Treliving is out as Calgary GM. While a number of other front office cleanings seemed warranted, this one kind of irks me. Yes, I said in a column early in the season that Treliving should be GM of the year (so I'm biased). But after doing an admirable job restocking his team last summer I think he deserved another year at least. With the Flames goaltending not able to sustain a consistent performance level and Huberdeau and Kadri (as well as some other high-profile players) having down year, what more could he have done?
Sometimes it takes players new to an organization at least a season to be completely comfortable and effective. Calgary's top players experiencing a down season seems out of the realm of Treliving's responsibility.
I feel that Calgary's top players will be significantly better next season. They are too good to have back-to-back poor years. But I guess when a team as good as Calgary is on paper misses the playoffs, somebody has to pay the price. Somebody this time was Treliving.
Timmins native Andrew Boucher continues to add to his already impressive resume. As I mentioned last week Boucher was with our women’s national team at the recent world’s as Canada's video coach. Now Andrew finds himself being named for the same role with our National U18 team for the upcoming IIHF World U18 Championships.
The championship begins this week in Switzerland with Canada playing in group A with Sweden, Slovakia, Germany and Czechia.
Congratulations, Andrew. Another exciting odyssey awaits!
Who do you like for making the conference finals Mike?
Why thanks for asking.
Bruins vs Devils in the East
Avalanche vs Oilers in the West.
Later, skater.
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