The following was submitted on behalf of the Barrie Colts U12A hockey team:
Guess who's taking home the trophy again? That's right, the Barrie Colts U12A team!
These kids are on fire, clinching the York-Simcoe Minor Hockey League (YSMHL) championship for the third year in a row.
It's been an exhilarating season and the boys certainly lived up to the hype with an equally thrilling playoff journey.
This team has a long list of achievements. They kicked off their season by finishing as champions in the A/BB Barrie Tournament.
The squad then triumphed over teams from across Ontario to clinch the championship title at the Silver Stick Regional Tournament with a record of 4-0. The boys went 2-2 at the International Silver Stick Tournament against teams from North America and on March 20 — exactly one year after their last YSMHL championship win — they showcased their determination by winning the league championship for the third consecutive year.
Finishing the regular season with an impressive 17-2-1 record, they secured the second spot in the league heading into playoffs. After a successful round-robin record of 9-0-1, they advanced to the semifinals against the Upper York Admirals, where they swept the series by taking the first two games, advancing them to the YSMHL final.
Facing off against the undefeated league leaders, the Collingwood Jr. Blues, was a tough challenge, but the Barrie boys rose to the occasion.
Coach Jamie Vanek had these kids firing on all cylinders, leading them into the championship series.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. In the first game against the Collingwood Jr. Blues, they hit a speed bump, tasting defeat for the first time in the playoffs.
The Colts rallied like champs, coming back in the second game with a vengeance. They played like they had something to prove, and prove it they did, levelling the series with a 3-2 victory.
Eddie Bush Memorial Arena in Collingwood was packed with enthusiastic fans, eagerly awaiting the YSMHL championship showdown — Game 3.
The Colts came out dominating the game. After a scoreless first period, they went up 2-0 within the first four minutes of the second period. The Jr. Blues scored their first goal shortly after, making it too close for comfort for the Colts.
The Barrie boys extended their lead to 3-1 in the second period and battled fiercely to maintain their advantage. The Jr. Blues answered back, though, scoring an early goal in the third.
Up by one goal, the third period was almost too much to handle for the Colts fans as they nervously watched the boys give it their all and overcome a 5-on-3 disadvantage for the last seven minutes of the game to hold on to victory. Unbelievable!
Congratulations to the U12A Barrie Colts on their third consecutive YSMHL championship. Next year's goal is to win the York-Simcoe championship in our own barn!
And now, the U12A Barrie Colts march on as York-Simcoe champions, aiming for success in the OMHA's road to the red hats. Best of luck, boys!
The Barrie team roster includes Jacob Davidson, Walker Greavette, Harrison Parker, Maddox Koval, Daniel Soatto, Owen Rodney, Maddox Smith, Matthew Vankrimpen, Jake Comeau, Luke Thompson, Cole Beaman, Nick Girolametto, Zac Vanek, Ethan Elder, LJ Dewar, Torin Schwartz, Cole Flachs and team staff of Jamie Vanek (head coach), Michael Soatto (assistant coach), Jason Schwartz (assistant coach), Don Rodney (trainer), and Janice Smith (manager).
Thank you to all the fans who supported the team throughout the season, as well as to our valued team sponsors: All Star Fire Protection Services Inc., Oliver Social Work, OX Beauty, Cooper Equipment Rentals, Osmow’s Shawarma (Big Bay Point Road and Essa Road locations), Milestone Custom Construction, Ground Level Contracting, Richter, Art’s Tool Sales, Horseshoe Valley Veterinary Hospital, i.d. Hair Studio, A.E.G. Industrial Designs, Georgian Glass & Screen Doctor, Elderlea Farms, Ferguson Family Dental, Active Green + Ross, Happy Mango, Cravings Fine Food, and Joel Bishop Desjardins Insurance.
