We've learned over the years that heading into a hockey tournament you never know what to expect. In a bracket tourney you just hope to get that first win to put you in the winners side of the bracket. Otherwise, if you lose, the best you can finish is 5th or 6th place.
Colton's team had their home tournament and because he and another boy trade off being goalie, it was Colton's turn to be in net for the first game.
We faced a team from Canada and that always has the boys back on their "skates" a bit. The legend of the Canadian hockey teams looms large in their minds. Sometimes, these teams truly are no match for our teams. But on Saturday, the team from Canada skated pretty evenly with us. Our kids skated with passion and determination and we won the game 7-2!
Colton had some great saves in the game and it was so fun watching them. Their second game was against a tough Brainerd team that we've played and tied once, and lost to once. We were due for a win! We looked a little tired and flat in this game and we ended up losing 6-3. With 1 win and 1 loss we were going to play for 3rd place. We faced a team from Roseau. Those northern Minnesota teams also carry a big reputation for playing some good hockey. We had no idea what to expect. Colton was back in net and pretty excited to play.
I find myself holding my breath a bit until Colton is in his groove and starts making some saves. He did not disappoint! Even when a team mate tipped the puck in on him and got a goal for the other team, Colton didn't lose his composure. He shook it off and kept his head in the game. We won the game and earned the 3rd place plaque and medals.
Here is Colton getting his medal- could that grin be any bigger?
Here is the Squirt Orange team celebrating with their plaque!
Colton went forward to receive the plaque for his team...
Congratulations Moorhead Squirt Orange on your 3rd place Championship win!
In between Colton's games, Nolan played 3 games. We were literally at the rink all weekend long. We'd get a 45 minute break once in awhile and go home to let Crosby out, but then we headed right back to the rink. Nolan's team played some tough competition and won 2 out of 3 of their games.
We'll be headed to Minneapolis with Colton's team next weekend and Grandpa Jim will be coming here to take Nolan to his games.
These are fun days and I miss doing them now that my son has all grown up.
ReplyDeleteI can tell how much I will miss these days!! They are flying by already!
DeleteFun times and you are making memories that your boys will never forget! Great job, Colton's team!!! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eileen- Colton won't forget and I don't think I will ever forget either :)
DeleteA big congratulations to each team member and to the parents of the team members, too. You play an incredible role in their successes.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
Glad that they earned medals and plaques. So proud of them!
Thank you to Grandpa Jim for all he does.
Wonderful family you have, Vicky.
Love you, my friend!
Jackie
Thank you Jackie~ they practice so much and really work at getting better and playing as a team. So its nice when it all comes together for them and they win :) Yes- we're so lucky to have Jim who does so much for all of us!
DeleteWOW HOckey really keeps you busy! Around here, ice time is hard to come by, and sometimes the kids (or adult leagues) are stuck with really awful early or very late times....
ReplyDeleteKaren- yes REALLY busy and I don't mention the half of it- but its more of a lifestyle than an activity! My oldest gets the 6 am practices because ice time is limited here too - its that way every where it seems :)
DeleteI had NO idea you had another tournament taking up your already busy weekend. You have so much energy and take all this craziness in stride. I admire you more than you'll ever know.
ReplyDeleteBonnie- I'm so happy to be feeling so much better this year compared to last year- I missed so much and I am making up for it this year as much as I can :) I enjoy it so much!
DeleteIt's nice to see how hockey plays such an important part of your family's life. Love that smile on Colton's face! Have fun in Minneapolis this weekend. We'll be there on Friday for doctor's appt.
ReplyDeleteLisa- yes its lots of hockey every weekend and we wouldn't know what to do without it! We're excited to go with Colton this weekend :) Good luck with the Dr. appointment :)
DeleteOh those happy boys, it is great that you all enjoy hockey so much. I am just glad we get to watch hockey again this year. hope you are feeling well, I will be around more now again. think of you and your family often....what a great weekend you had.
ReplyDeleteHow proud does Colton look when getting his medal? Priceless really. I love your photos, you capture all the great moments. Well done to the Moorehead Squirt Orange team on such a fine win - and to the brave player who had to make all those saves. That position in hockey really scares me as they have so much responsibility. I would have held my breath too - Colton must have great nerve really to keep it all together like that. I would be a nervous wreck!
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