It has been a long season of both highs and lows.
The Atom AE team struggled this year during the regular season, but each and every player has continuously worked hard at developing their skills. I have asked each player to put the team first, and to do their very best to represent LaSalle Minor Hockey. "Play for the crest on your chest not the name on you back! Play first shift, every shift all shifts" is our motto.
Well, let me be the first to say, the LaSalle Sabres ATOM AE Team gave it their all last weekend as we travelled to Pittsburgh for our final tournament of the year. Arriving on Friday, February 14 and playing our first game, the boys won 6 – 2. Saturday morning we played to a 3-3 tie leading us into Sunday morning. Sunday the Sabres lost a tough game 4 to 7, but because of their previous efforts, we were able to advance to the finals. During the finals, we faced off to the undefeated team that we had just lost to during the morning. The game started out great as the Sabres took the lead 1-0, but by the end of the first period we here down 4 to 1. This however did not stop the boys, and they never gave up. They battled back to tie the game 4-4 at the start of the 3rd, rolling the line’s as ALL the players wanted to win. As coaches, we could see it in there eyes and feel it in the hearts, they were giving it there all. During the third period, the other team popped in two quick goals in the first 3 minutes. The Sabres however did not quit, and with just minutes left, they sored another goal to close the gap to 5-6. With only seconds left, the players battled and fought for the puck, almost tying the game, but were not successful.
Despite the out come the Sabres played there hearts out and finished in 2nd place overall. They earned their first trophy and medal of the year, and this was a great moment for all . In the dressing room, after the game, all of the players stood up, held their hands to their chest, and sang O-Canada not once, but TWICE. Just seeing how happy they were to have that moment was amazing. This team has come so far, and I could not be more proud of each and every players effort and play. They truly represented the Sabres organization, and Canada's love of this great game in a way that would make any parent proud.
We are all thankful to be a part of this team and organization.
Atom AE Coach
Darren Gifford