Ice Capps wrap up golden season

The WFRA Tim Horton’s Ice Capps Petite Competitive Ringette team was in action this past weekend in the Northeast Region championships in Capreol. As gold medal winners in Nepean, Whitby and Richmond Hill, the Ice Capps were hungry for one more tournament win to cap off a perfect season.

In their first game of the tournament Friday, the Ice Capps came out a little flat, unaccustomed to the physical play of their Timmins adversaries. Despite being out muscled by the physically larger Cain Safety crew, the Ice Capps were able to hold on to a 2-2 tie to squeak out the point.

In their second game of the day, a late Friday game, the Ice Capps were matched up against the West Ferris Petite B Ring Hawks. Despite excellent play by both groups, the Capps skated away to a 9-1 victory.

Saturday saw the Ice Capps face their greatest challenges of the tournament. The early afternoon contest pitted them against another big and physically aggressive team from Sault Ste. Marie. Although they were battered and bruised by the end of the game, the Ice Capps showed that skill and speed will always win. They sent a clear message with the 9-3 victory.

The Ice Capps had already clinched their spot in Sunday’s final by the time they played the last game of the round-robin; however, their goal was to be unbeaten in the tournament. Their competition in this game was none other than the team that they would eventually be meeting in the final game. Although the locals had come out to play, so did the Timmins Designer Pool team. Right from the opening whistle, the two teams were very evenly matched. They exchanged goals throughout the game with the Ice Capps holding a slim one goal lead until 2:07 remained in the second frame. Despite a last minute goal by Timmins, the North Bay entry was able to hold on for the 5-4 victory.

Heading into the final on Sunday, the Ice Capps were ready for anything Designer Pools could dish out. In this game, their excellent team play and outstanding goaltending was evident. Doing what they do best, the Ice Capps found the net six times but, more importantly, closed the door on Timmins’ top scorers allowing them only one marker in the game. The 6-1 win was good enough for the Ice Capps to finish their season undefeated, with four gold medals.

Team members include: Diane Begin (goal), Olivia Parker, Siobhan Pitz, Stephanie Bethune, Venessa Odorizzi, Brittany Coughlin, Courtney McColeman, Ariane Lefebvre, Adele St. Pierre, Camille Grandmont and Lauren Hutchings.

The team is coached by Stephanie Coughlin, Tom Parker and Bruce McColeman. Colleen Parker and Janice McColeman are the Managers. Ken Coughlin and Alexandra Parker are the trainers and Kim Pitz is the goaltending coach.

Submitted to BayToday.ca