Hilltop Variety Stingers Reach Finals in Kanata

Kanata – North Bay Hilltop Variety Stingers WF Minor Peewee AA hockey team fell 4-2 to Waterloo in the finals of the 3rd Annual Winter Classic Tournament at the Bell’s Sensplex here on the weekend.

In Friday’s qualifying opener, the Hilltop squad recorded a 7-1 win over the Cumberland Barons. Ryan Wilkinson had a pair of goals and picked up game MVP honors. Single tallies went to Tyler Kennedy, Eric ‘Gord’ Bourdon, Matt Salter, Chloe Dion and Matt Jemmett.

Hilltop defeated the Ottawa Capital Crusaders 2-1 in their second game. Nick Scott netted both goals for the Stingers and was named game MVP.

In their third game Hilltop fell 4-3 to the Nepean Raiders. Courtney Geisler was the Stingers MVP. Goal scorers were Geisler, Eric Champagne and Bourdon.

The Stingers placed second overall after the qualifying round in the eight team loop.

In their semi-final game the Stingers defeated the host Kanata Blazers 2-1. Chloe Dion picked up the Stingers first goal. Bourdon netted the game winner and picked up game MVP honors.

The Waterloo Wolves defeated the Nepean Raiders 2-1 to set up Sunday’s final.

In the final, Waterloo took a 2-0 lead mid-way through the first but Tyler Kennedy pulled the Stingers within one goal late in the opening period. Nick Scott knotted the score at 2-2 early in the second period. Waterloo grabbed the lead late in the second and went on to a 4-2 victory. Tyler Kennedy was the Stingers game MVP.

The Hilltop Variety Stingers will be competing in the NOHA Tournament of Champions, March 2nd, 3rd and 4th in Timmins. Competing centers include Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury, North Bay and host Timmins.

Submitted to BayToday.ca