Some of the top Atom hockey players from Mount Uniacke to Windsor now have a better idea how they measure up to their American counterparts.
Eight athletes — Nolan Oakley, Jaden Croft, Carter Hood, Nolan Leighton, Terran Baillie, Camdyn Burgess, Gavin Sheehy and Ben McCarthy — travelled to Portland, Maine to compete in the popularLobsterfest tournament from July 11-13.
“It’s one of the most prestigious tournaments in North America,” said head coach Matthew McCarthy.
The local group chose to play as the Windsor Maple Leafs to pay homage to the Birthplace of Hockey’s rich history.
“We wanted to have our local kids have some fun together and celebrate Windsor hockey.”
The team selected for the elite tournament also had four players from Cape Breton, and three others from the Halifax Regional Municipality.
McCarthy said the local athletes, most of whom are 10 years old, held their own against some high-level competitors from New Jersey, New York and New Hampshire.
“We were in every game right down to the end,” said McCarthy.
The Maple Leafs lost three games, and won one.
“They get a chance to see the absolute highest level of hockey that you can play at in this age group and realize that they compete at that level,” said McCarthy, who noted that games against teams that practice year round were decided by one or two goals.
Some of the top Atom hockey players from Mount Uniacke to Windsor now have a better idea how they measure up to their American counterparts.
Eight athletes — Nolan Oakley, Jaden Croft, Carter Hood, Nolan Leighton, Terran Baillie, Camdyn Burgess, Gavin Sheehy and Ben McCarthy — travelled to Portland, Maine to compete in the popularLobsterfest tournament from July 11-13.
“It’s one of the most prestigious tournaments in North America,” said head coach Matthew McCarthy.
The local group chose to play as the Windsor Maple Leafs to pay homage to the Birthplace of Hockey’s rich history.
“We wanted to have our local kids have some fun together and celebrate Windsor hockey.”
The team selected for the elite tournament also had four players from Cape Breton, and three others from the Halifax Regional Municipality.
McCarthy said the local athletes, most of whom are 10 years old, held their own against some high-level competitors from New Jersey, New York and New Hampshire.
“We were in every game right down to the end,” said McCarthy.
The Maple Leafs lost three games, and won one.
“They get a chance to see the absolute highest level of hockey that you can play at in this age group and realize that they compete at that level,” said McCarthy, who noted that games against teams that practice year round were decided by one or two goals.
