The U11, U13 and U18 Apsley Flames teams qualified for the international tournament back in November and December at their respective Haliburton Regional Silver Stick Tournaments. The top teams from the regional qualifiers were invited to compete in the International Silver Stick Finals January 11-14 in Pelham, located near Niagara Falls. Players from all over Ontario and the United States attended the 71-team tournament with age divisions for U11, U13, U15 and U18. Apsley faced off against teams from California, Maryland and numerous Ontario associations.
In the U11 championship game on the morning of Sunday January 14th, the U11 Flames beat the Ilderton Jets by a score of 2-0. This was the same team that Apsley lost to in the round robin. Both of Apsley's goals were scored by Cohen Kemp with an assist for Quinlan Kilner. Thomas Boa earned another shutout for the U11 Flames. Team members include: Thomas Boa, Quinlan Kilner, Owen Tucker, Cole Villeneuve, Maxwell Dunford, Clare Dunkerley, Bryson Davis, Griffin Halcovitch, Logan Reid, Cohen Kemp, George Sayer, Chase Sayers, George Lye, Cruz Kaschak, Kenndra King, Wyatt Wilson and Liam Coughlin. Team Staff: Trevor Kaschak, Anthony Halcovitch, Chad Tucker and Karlee Boa.
The U13 Flames won their championship game against the Brock Wild, defeating them 4-2. Ironically, Brock was the regional finalist from the Haliburton Silver Stick qualifer that the Apsley Flames U13 team beat back in November. Goals in the championship game were scored by Owen Hill, Owen Carleton, Liam Koehler and Creighton Perks. Assists earned by Kasen McGinn 2, Nash Kilner 2, Owen Carleton 2, Brodie Baylis and Lucas Sinclair. Apsley Flames U13 team members include: Kheiron Rowe, Greyson Kemp, Greyson Miscio, Kasen McGinn, Liam Koehler, Billy Boa, Nick Chiaramida, Kyle Laing, Nash Kilner, Owen Hill, Brodie Baylis, Creighton Perks, Owen Carleton, Max Lynch, Axton Jones and Lucas Sinclair. Team Staff: Jason Kemp, Scott Wilkes, Josh Perks, Mark Jones, Jennifer Hill and Candice Kemp.
The Apsley Flames U18 team claimed the championship title over the Arthur Vipers by a score of 4-3. Arthur is a small association much like Apsley. The Arthur Vipers U18 team were also undeafed in league play leading up to the tournament. Apsley Flames U18 goals in the championship game were scored by Cody Dunford 2, Beckham Perks and Hudson Power. Assists: Tyler McMann, Beckham Perks, Keagan Perks, Connor Sayers, Cody Dunford, Alex McMann and Ollie Olauson. Goaltender, Gavin Swift, played an amazing game! U18 Flames team members are: Carson Conlin, Dominick Bolton, Austin Shee, Tyler McMann, Connor Lockerbie, Dillon Lockerbie, Beckham Perks, Connor Sayers, Cody Dunford, Gordie Garrett, Keagan Perks, Noah Gallagher, Alex McMann, Hudson Power, Ollie Olauson, Gavin Swift and Adam McGinn. Apsley Flames U18 coaching staff: Caleb Trotter, Jordan Tucker, Mike Shee, Lukuas Anastasiou and Caleb Crosby.
In the weeks leading up to the International Silver Stick Finals, the town of Apsley and surrounding areas rallied around their teams. The Flames had an enormous showing of support from Apsley Minor Hockey volunteers, coaching staff, family, friends and especially their sponsors. During the tournament, parents, grandparents, family and friends showed their support by cheering on from home or making the trip to the Niagara Region. Siblings and cousins from the Apsley Flames U7, U8, U9 and U15 teams were also in attendance to cheer on their fellow Flames!
Congratulations Apsley Flames!